Here is the language for Pitino's contract on Termination. They could definitely can him on 6.1.2 - I'd say UL has experienced some disparaging media publicity. Course Pitino could argue that UL's name was already crap. They could also argue he failed to adequately monitor his assistants - which is totally true, if he isn't lying about not knowing (he is lying, but they'll never prove that)
6. TERMINATION FOR J:UST CAUSE. 6.1 Employer has the right to terminate this Employment Contract for Just Cause or impose other appropriat~ discipline, in which case prior to such action, Employee shall be given ten 10 (ten) days' prior written notice and an opportunity to be heard!. The term "Just Cause" with respect to Employ¢r's right to terminate this Employment Contract shall be understood to include all o fthe following:
6.1.1 A material violation of this Employment Contract or refusal or unwillingness to perfomt this Contract in good faith and to the best of Employee's abilities;
6.1.2 Disparaging media publicity of a material nature that damages the good name and reputation of Employer or the University, if such publicity is caused by Employee's willful misconduct that could objectively be anticipated to bring Employee into public disrepute or scandal, or which tends to greatly offend the public, or any class thereof on the basis of invidious distinction;
6.1.3 Major violation of any rule, or bylaw of Employer, the athletic conference with which the University is then affiliated or the NCAA, which violation damages Employer or the University in a material fashion, including in the case of NCAA, significant or repetitive violations as set forth in NCAA Bylaw 11.2.1, but with the understanding that Employee shall not be responsible for misconduct of third parties, assistants, or other representatives of the athletic interest of Employer and University, unless Employee was aware of such misconduct and failed to promptly report it to Employer or Employee failed to exercise diligent, careful supervision of the assistants, or other representatives of the athletic interests of Employer and the University which could have disclosed the violation; and
6.1.4 Emnployee's (a) dishonesty with Employer or University, (b) acts of moral depravity, (c) convicti~n of a felony or employment- or drug-related misdemeanor, or (d) intoxication or being! under the influence of a psychoactive substance when performing duties under this Contract, wMn student athletes are present, when attending scheduled public events or appearances, or durin~ media contacts.
