The Louisville men’s basketball program is under intense scrutiny after allegations due to a book written by Katina Powell, alleging a Cardinals staff member paid escorts to dance for and have sex with players and recruits. The parties took place between 2010 and 2014 and included three of Powell’s daughters danced and stripped at them.
Among the players to pass through the men’s basketball program at Louisville was Gorgui Dieng, who now plays for the Timberwolves in the NBA. Dieng was a member of the Cardinals from 2010 through 2013, the majority of the time the alleged 22 parties took place. However, the 25-year-old says he was unaware of what was detailed in the book “Breaking Cardinal Rules: Basketball and the Escort Queen.”
Gorgui on Louisville sex scandal: "Personally, I was not aware of (it). You just told me. I never had to be in a situation like that."
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) October 3, 2015
Gorgui re: Andre McGee: "I know he’s a good guy, that’s all I know about him. As far as throwing parties, the stuff you say, I’m unaware of"
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) October 3, 2015
Andre McGee was the former director of basketball operations at Louisville from 2012-2014 and was identified by Katina Powell as the one who made the arrangement for the escorts. As you can see in a few photos, he was very visible during his time as a member on the staff, so it’s not surprising Dieng would know who he is.
This story obviously isn’t going to go away anytime soon and while Dieng says he wasn’t aware of the alleged parties, there are obviously quite a few people who did know they were going on. As more details emerge, we will start to find out those names, which could spell trouble for Rick Pitino and the university.
Photo credit: US Presswire – Mark J. Rebilas
