Additionally, the NCAA found that the head men's basketball coach, Rick Pitino, violated NCAA rules by failing to monitor the former basketball operations director's activities. Louisville has indicated that it will appeal the NCAA ruling and Pitino supports the challenge. The underlying issue revolves around whether the plaintiffs truthfully stated that they received merchandise from Rebel Rags, LLC and thereby circumvented NCAA regulations that prohibit the receipt of such free gifts. Rebel Rags' attorney Charles Markel says that, as a result of the plaintiff's statements, people have threatened to boycott Rebel Rags' store and that its president has received hate mail. The attorney also claims concern that Ole Miss could dissassociate itself with Rebel Rags, which would likely put the company out of business.

Source: Forbes June 18, 2017 13:30 UTC