Dino Gaudio has been federally charged with extortion

[ChicagoX]

Per Matt Jones:

Former UL Asst Coach Dino Gaudio has been federally charged with extortion for threatening to release UL Basketball recruiting violations

https://twitter.com/KySportsRadio/status/1394746577638592513

[STL_XUfan]

Below is the indictment:

On or about March 17, 2021 , in the Western District of Kentucky, Jefferson County, Kentucky, and elsewhere, the defendant, DINO J. GAUDIO, knowingly transmitted in interstate commerce, with intent to extort money and other things of value from the University of Louisville, a threat to injure the reputation of the University of Louisville. On March 17, 2021 , during an inperson meeting with University of Louisville personnel, defendant DINO J. GAUDIO threatened to report to the media allegations that the University of Louisville men's basketball program had violated National College Athletic Association rules in its production of recruiting videos for prospective student-athletes and in its use of graduate assistants in practices, unless the University of Louisville paid defendant DINO J. GAUDIO his salary for an additional 17 months or provided the lump sum equivalent of 17 months of salary. Later in the day on March 17, 2021 , as a continuation of this threat, defendant DINO J. GAUDIO sent a text message to University of Louisville personnel containing one of the recruiting videos he was threatening to send to the media. This text message traveled from the Commonwealth of Kentucky to outside of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.


In violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(d).

[muskiefan82]

Yikes

[Muskie]

This will be interesting.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

That list can't be complete. Videos and the use of graduate assistants in practice, that is it?

[Muskie]

The alleged recruiting violations that he was holding over UL's head seem pretty trivial? I don't know how you get 17 months of salary outta that.

[GoMuskies]

Seems like Gaudio is going to jail. And Mack looks really stupid for hiring him. And Wake finally looks a bit less stupid for firing him.

[STL_XUfan]

That list can't be complete. Videos and the use of graduate assistants in practice, that is it?

I guess there is a chance that this is just what Louisville reported to the feds and left out the juicier details, but I highly doubt that. Seems like Gaudio just got caught being an idiot and way overplaying his hand.

[XUGRAD80]

I’m thinking there is much more to this story…….

Why would UL report this unless they aren’t scared of the violations being made public?

Why would Gaudio not have just taken UL to court to begin with if he felt he was unjustly fired and was owed the money?

This makes no sense.

[drudy23]

Why would the feds be involved in a situation like this? People negotiate settlements all the time like this when they are fired based on what they know. Why would the feds care about 17 months of Dino's salary? This isn't a big time settlement (comparatively). Where does something trivial like this even reach the interest of the Feds? Why would they care?

I agree that there has to be more to the story.

Perhaps some links to Murray not working there anymore too? Mack seemed tight with both - I was surprised when they got let go.

[GoMuskies]

Why would the feds be involved in a situation like this? People negotiate settlements all the time like this when they are fired based on what they know. Why would the feds care about 17 months of Dino's salary? This isn't a big time settlement (comparatively). Where does something trivial like this even reach the interest of the Feds? Why would they care?

Because extortion is a federal crime. This isn't a trivial amount of money.

[drudy23]

Because extortion is a federal crime. This isn't a trivial amount of money.

I'm trying to play this out - when people get fired, most are looking for some sort of severance. I'm guessing he didn't get anything or it wasn't up to his expectations. Alot of times, people being upset leads to them saying they "know stuff" to try to get extra money - but people don't call the Feds. This doesn't sound like a typical scenario where the Feds investigate crimes over the course of a few months - sounds like they literally called the Feds on March 17th - and apparently the Feds answered. Just seems very weird.

I'm guessing him and the AD (or Mack) were at odds with something, and the AD (or Mack) took this route because of some sort of personal vendetta. Who calls the Feds? Just seems way overblown.

[drudy23]

Further info:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31467518/former-louisville-basketball-assistant-coach-dino-gaudio-faces-federal-charge-alleged-attempt-extort-program

Seems like they certainly had a falling out at some point. Is Mack in CYA mode for something?

Mack doesn't seemed fazed about the Feds taking down a friend of his for a long time - something certainly happened.

[94GRAD]

Update, Dino not fighting the allegation.

https://twitter.com/TravisRagsdale/status/1394759504932315136

[GoMuskies]

Who calls the Feds?

People who are extorted to the tune of several hundred thousand dollars

[xu82]

People who are extorted to the tune of several hundred thousand dollars

Yeah, that would cause me to reach for the phone, too. It didn’t have to be just Mack truing on his buddy, that kind of situation would be out of his hands. Having said that, I agree there’s probably more that we DON’T know than what we DO know. Something stinks here.


.

[muskiefan82]

Why would the feds be involved in a situation like this? People negotiate settlements all the time like this when they are fired based on what they know. Why would the feds care about 17 months of Dino's salary? This isn't a big time settlement (comparatively). Where does something trivial like this even reach the interest of the Feds? Why would they care?

I agree that there has to be more to the story.

Perhaps some links to Murray not working there anymore too? Mack seemed tight with both - I was surprised when they got let go.

The Feds care because the crime crossed state lines. If that wasn't the case, they would not care.

[paulxu]

Dino should give the Watkins Defense a go.

[joe titan]

Because extortion is a federal crime. This isn't a trivial amount of money.

But the indictment talks about threatening to injure the reputation of U of L; I did not think that was possible post-Pitino.

[GoMuskies]

But the indictment talks about threatening to injure the reputation of U of L; I did not think that was possible post-Pitino.

I definitely had that thought as well!

[xu82]

But the indictment talks about threatening to injure the reputation of U of L; I did not think that was possible post-Pitino.

Good point, it seems like a real upgrade to their shenanigans!

[joe titan]

That list can't be complete. Videos and the use of graduate assistants in practice, that is it?

Well coming on the heels of their more recent issues, these otherwise insignificant allegations might merit more stern measures.

[STL_XUfan]

I'm trying to play this out - when people get fired, most are looking for some sort of severance. I'm guessing he didn't get anything or it wasn't up to his expectations. Alot of times, people being upset leads to them saying they "know stuff" to try to get extra money - but people don't call the Feds. This doesn't sound like a typical scenario where the Feds investigate crimes over the course of a few months - sounds like they literally called the Feds on March 17th - and apparently the Feds answered. Just seems very weird.

I'm guessing him and the AD (or Mack) were at odds with something, and the AD (or Mack) took this route because of some sort of personal vendetta. Who calls the Feds? Just seems way overblown.

There is a giant difference between agreeing to waive your rights to sue your former company for a payout, and demanding a payout to buy your silence about releasing information that could harm the company. Maybe that is subtle undertone of some of those negotiations, but ain’t no one, but Gaudio, is dumb enough to say the quiet part out loud.

[bobbiemcgee]

Should be interesting witness wise if it goes to trial.

[xubrew]

I'm trying to play this out - when people get fired, most are looking for some sort of severance. I'm guessing he didn't get anything or it wasn't up to his expectations. Alot of times, people being upset leads to them saying they "know stuff" to try to get extra money - but people don't call the Feds. This doesn't sound like a typical scenario where the Feds investigate crimes over the course of a few months - sounds like they literally called the Feds on March 17th - and apparently the Feds answered. Just seems very weird.

I'm guessing him and the AD (or Mack) were at odds with something, and the AD (or Mack) took this route because of some sort of personal vendetta. Who calls the Feds? Just seems way overblown.

I’m guessing that he wasn’t actually fired. Most coaches aren’t actually fired, and assistant coaches almost never are. They sign one year contracts. Whenever you hear that a coach was “fired” they probably weren’t fired in the same sense that most people are. Their contracts were either bought out or not renewed. If he simply wasn’t given another contract for next season, then there would have been no severance.

This was a REALLY dumb thing to do.

[JTG]

Seems like Gaudio is going to jail. And Mack looks really stupid for hiring him. And Wake finally looks a bit less stupid for firing him.

I'd say it looks more like UL has a federal prosecutor in their back pocket.

[XUGRAD80]

I’m guessing that he wasn’t actually fired. Most coaches aren’t actually fired, and assistant coaches almost never are. They sign one year contracts. Whenever you hear that a coach was “fired” they probably weren’t fired in the same sense that most people are. Their contracts were either bought out or not renewed. If he simply wasn’t given another contract for next season, then there would have been no severance.

This was a REALLY dumb thing to do.

But then where does the 17 month figure come from? I’m guessing (and it’s only guessing) that he had longer than a 1 year contract and that there was 17 months reminding on it when he was let go. He’s not wanting a severance, he’s wanting to be paid for the 17 months left on the contract, either monthly or all at once.

[xubrew]

It then where does the 17 month figure come from? I’m guessing (and it’s only guessing) that he had longer than a 1 year contract and that there was 17 months reminding on it when he was let go. He’s not wanting a severance, he’s wanting to be paid for the 17 months left on the contract, either monthly or all at once.

Hmmm. I don’t know. I obviously haven’t seen his contract. Assistant coaches generally sign one year contracts that are renewed every year, but that isn’t always the case. Maybe he had a longer one. But even then, they couldn’t just get rid of him without upholding his contract.

[Xavgrad08]

The AD can’t be happy about the Chris Mack era. Three years in and no tourney wins. Now more unwanted publicity. Look on the bright side Louisville at least it was not another sex scandal.

[Backyard Champ]

Who was the clown that wanted Xavier to Hire Dino?? Lol ��

[Xville]

Gaudio has been garbage basically his entire career and now he may be going to jail. Way to go Dino

[xubrew]

I had mostly good things to say about him. Until now.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Let this be a lesson to all up and coming coaches out there... If a former Xavier coach asks you to be an assistant, your chances of federal indictment go up exponentially

[XUGRAD80]

ESPN report says that the indictment states that the actions occurred “after his contract was not renewed”. That still leaves the question of, why 17 months salary is the figure used?

His lawyer is saying that he accepts his responsibility and that regrets saying what he said in the heat of the moment, and that he didn’t realize that he was being taped.

Also…never knew that he was 64. Always thought of him as a much younger person than me.

[drudy23]

Still seems weird with more to the story.

From lifelong friends and colleagues to recording conversations and using the Feds? And it sounds like it was recorded? It’s obvious Dino did something to land on the wrong said of Mack at some point.

[XUGRAD80]

Still seems weird with more to the story.

From lifelong friends and colleagues to recording conversations and using the Feds? And it sounds like it was recorded? It’s obvious Dino did something to land on the wrong said of Mack at some point.

Agree. Looks like a UL/Mack power play to me. Sending out a warning shot to others that might want to “expose” the U in the future. Don’t mess with us!

[murray87]

Really reckless of Gaudio to do what is alleged at this stage of his life. My goodness, 64 years old and should have plenty of $$$ in the bank after all these years. Now possibly prison? And the taint around their basketball program continues to stink.

[Xville]

Really reckless of Gaudio to do what is alleged at this stage of his life. My goodness, 64 years old and should have plenty of $$$ in the bank after all these years. Now possibly prison? And the taint around their basketball program continues to stink.

My guess, which I know seems crazy with the amount of money he has made over the years, is that the guy has money troubles. I don't think you do something this desperate without something like that going on.

[XUGRAD80]

Have a feeling that Dino was just pissed off to a point where he lost perspective and let his temper get the better of him. Heck, Mack has done that to some of the people on this board and they have never had to work for him! :medicated:

[STL_XUfan]

Have a feeling that Dino was just pissed off to a point where he lost perspective and let his temper get the better of him. Heck, Mack has done that to some of the people on this board and they have never had to work for him! :medicated:

True, but none of realized that our anger could be worth $700,000.00.

[XUGRAD80]

True, but none of realized that our anger could be worth $700,000.00.

Don’t we wish! :jumpforjoy:

[D-West & PO-Z]

I guess there is a chance that this is just what Louisville reported to the feds and left out the juicier details, but I highly doubt that. Seems like Gaudio just got caught being an idiot and way overplaying his hand.

Or maybe bc Louisville already has violations and issues going on, even smaller ones carry a lot of weight?

[D-West & PO-Z]

I'm trying to play this out - when people get fired, most are looking for some sort of severance. I'm guessing he didn't get anything or it wasn't up to his expectations. Alot of times, people being upset leads to them saying they "know stuff" to try to get extra money - but people don't call the Feds. This doesn't sound like a typical scenario where the Feds investigate crimes over the course of a few months - sounds like they literally called the Feds on March 17th - and apparently the Feds answered. Just seems very weird.

I'm guessing him and the AD (or Mack) were at odds with something, and the AD (or Mack) took this route because of some sort of personal vendetta. Who calls the Feds? Just seems way overblown.

Dino wasnt even fired right? His contract was up and not renewed I believe. Seems the same but legally way different I would think.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

This is all very strange. He was basically fired, though I guess the wording isn't quite the same. Keep your mouth shut and get an assistant gig somewhere else or a coaching gig at a small school, or he could go right back in the analyst booth.

This screams money troubles for him to just get him by the time it would take to get another job. The guy was a good assistant/recruiter but a largely ineffective coach.

One thing not necessarily part of this but could explain the money issues was the Adidas/Nike FBI stuff. If I remember right, Book wasn't keeping those kickback payments from agents/financial advisors. Wasn't he passing it on to a recruit to lure to the school?

[xukeith]

Hindsight is 20:20 but don't you believe Mack could have told Guidio, "Hey you screwed up. It happens. If you don't cool this blackmail crap, you are going to prosecuted with extortion. It will get very ugly, so back off."

[bleedXblue]

Hindsight is 20:20 but don't you believe Mack could have told Guidio, "Hey you screwed up. It happens. If you don't cool this blackmail crap, you are going to prosecuted with extortion. It will get very ugly, so back off."

U of L is just a total mess........why not just tell Dino to go pound sand............and just let this blow over? Or, just agree to pay him 8-10 months.....

[D-West & PO-Z]

Hindsight is 20:20 but don't you believe Mack could have told Guidio, "Hey you screwed up. It happens. If you don't cool this blackmail crap, you are going to prosecuted with extortion. It will get very ugly, so back off."

You almost wonder if he did and Dino didn't stop. However, the way Dino's lawyer presents it, it was an angry one off conversation/reaction to not being retained. I mean I get extortion is extortion and don't fault UL for reporting it, but man, something must have really soured with Mack and Dino for a 30 year relationship to go out like this. I mean I thought the Dino hire was weird to begin with but clearly Mack and him had a strong relationship before all this.

[xu82]

You almost wonder if he did and Dino didn't stop. However, the way Dino's lawyer presents it, it was an angry one off conversation/reaction to not being retained. I mean I get extortion is extortion and don't fault UL for reporting it, but man, something must have really soured with Mack and Dino for a 30 year relationship to go out like this. I mean I thought the Dino hire was weird to begin with but clearly Mack and him had a strong relationship before all this.

There has to be something we don’t know. BOTH sides lose by having it end like this.

[xukeith]

You almost wonder if he did and Dino didn't stop. However, the way Dino's lawyer presents it, it was an angry one off conversation/reaction to not being retained. I mean I get extortion is extortion and don't fault UL for reporting it, but man, something must have really soured with Mack and Dino for a 30 year relationship to go out like this. I mean I thought the Dino hire was weird to begin with but clearly Mack and him had a strong relationship before all this.

Maybe it all started long time ago in a NC high school gym where Skip Prosser, Gaudio and Mack all agreed to a secret pledge. This unholy alliance turned sour when Gaudio's evaluation was performance based. Bam! The door slammed in his face as Luke Murray skips by, whistling dixie.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Or...Gaudio and Mack's conversation wasn't just between them. It had 2-3 other people in the room that Mack couldn't control who took this to the next step.

[xukeith]

Or...Gaudio and Mack's conversation wasn't just between them. It had 2-3 other people in the room that Mack couldn't control who took this to the next step.

The lone common denominator in this mess: Former Xavier coaches.

[XU 87]

You almost wonder if he did and Dino didn't stop. However, the way Dino's lawyer presents it, it was an angry one off conversation/reaction to not being retained. I mean I get extortion is extortion and don't fault UL for reporting it, but man, something must have really soured with Mack and Dino for a 30 year relationship to go out like this. I mean I thought the Dino hire was weird to begin with but clearly Mack and him had a strong relationship before all this.

I suspect Mack was ordered to fire some assistants, Dino being one of them. And Mack obliged.

Mack’s press release throwing Dino under the bus, which I’m sure was prepared by UL, seems to confirm that Mack will say and do what benefits Mack. If true, very sad.

[xubrew]

ESPN report says that the indictment states that the actions occurred “after his contract was not renewed”. That still leaves the question of, why 17 months salary is the figure used?

His lawyer is saying that he accepts his responsibility and that regrets saying what he said in the heat of the moment, and that he didn’t realize that he was being taped.

Also…never knew that he was 64. Always thought of him as a much younger person than me.

Yeah, I'm not sure how he landed on that number. 17 months?? Not 12, not 6, not 18 which is a year-and-a-half, but 17 months. Okay.

October 2022. The start of the 2022-2023 season, I guess??

[STL_XUfan]

Yeah, I'm not sure how he landed on that number. 17 months?? Not 12, not 6, not 18 which is a year-and-a-half, but 17 months. Okay.

October 2022. The start of the 2022-2023 season, I guess??

Well you see Q is the 17th letter of the alphabet, so the demand was secret signal to Q believers just in case he was arrested by the feds in an attempt silence him from exposing the whole system. It makes you wonder what was he really exposing at Louisville? Is Chris Mack using George Soros money to recruit minors to his "team"? What are these videos that his grad assistants were making. This conspiracy goes all the way to the top.

[xubrew]

Well you see Q is the 17th letter of the alphabet, so the demand was secret signal to Q believers just in case he was arrested by the feds in an attempt silence him from exposing the whole system. It makes you wonder what was he really exposing at Louisville? Is Chris Mack using George Soros money to recruit minors to his "team"? What are these videos that his grad assistants were making. This conspiracy goes all the way to the top.

This post wins!! Shut it down!!

[94GRAD]

Well you see Q is the 17th letter of the alphabet, so the demand was secret signal to Q believers just in case he was arrested by the feds in an attempt silence him from exposing the whole system. It makes you wonder what was he really exposing at Louisville? Is Chris Mack using George Soros money to recruit minors to his "team"? What are these videos that his grad assistants were making. This conspiracy goes all the way to the top.

Public Reps since the man is keeping me down!

[D-West & PO-Z]

Public Reps since the man is keeping me down!

Same!

[IM4X]

Yeah, that would cause me to reach for the phone, too. It didnÂ’t have to be just Mack truing on his buddy, that kind of situation would be out of his hands. Having said that, I agree thereÂ’s probably more that we DONÂ’T know than what we DO know. Something stinks here.



Yep. Something stinks here alright and a little of that stench is coming from the University and some from Mack. Dino clearly made a few very dumb decisions, but what caused him to lose his cool. What was he promised or told by Mack or the AD that did not play out the way he was lead to believe.

MACK: Don’t worry Dino. If you move here to be my assistant, you will be right here by my side through my entire tenure or I’ll pay you out of my own pocket.

And then in March...

MACK: Hey, the school is forcing me to fire you. You can’t really expect me to pay you out of my own pocket now. No way! Be mad at the school, not me.

[IM4X]

I suspect Mack was ordered to fire some assistants, Dino being one of them. And Mack obliged.

Mack’s press release throwing Dino under the bus, which I’m sure was prepared by UL, seems to confirm that Mack will say and do what benefits Mack. If true, very sad.

Agreed. Dino may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer (bad move on his part) but those who know him speak of him as being a very honest and caring person. He was expecting Mack and the University to do the right thing. Unfortunately, Mack is all about “what is best for me” much like the University.

[xukeith]

I suspect Mack was ordered to fire some assistants, Dino being one of them. And Mack obliged.

Mack’s press release throwing Dino under the bus, which I’m sure was prepared by UL, seems to confirm that Mack will say and do what benefits Mack. If true, very sad.

Why is this very sad?
Who in their right mind would stand up and say anything differently?

[XU 87]

Why is this very sad?
Who in their right mind would stand up and say anything differently?

It's sad that Mack fired a 30 year friend because the UL admin supposedly needed him to throw some people under the bus. It's also sad that Mack issued his press release, again throwing him under the bus. How about just refusing to comment on it or saying "This was an unfortunate situation, and I have nothing further to say."

[xubrew]

I suspect Mack was ordered to fire some assistants, Dino being one of them. And Mack obliged.

Mack’s press release throwing Dino under the bus, which I’m sure was prepared by UL, seems to confirm that Mack will say and do what benefits Mack. If true, very sad.

I don't think Mack threw Dino under the bus so much as Dino jumped in front of the semi.

[xu82]

I don't think Mack threw Dino under the bus so much as Dino jumped in front of the semi.

Ron White was correct!

They all got together and found a way to make everybody a loser on this one!

[IM4X]

I don't think Mack threw Dino under the bus so much as Dino jumped in front of the semi.

it wasn’t just any semi. It was a MACK truck.


Dick move by Mack followed by dumb move by Dino followed by a drive over by Mack (and Louisville).

[IM4X]

If Mack was truly a good guy (and good friend), he would have either fought for Dino to stay or he would have given him some of his $4.7 million.

If Dino was a smarter guy, he would have made sure his contract said he got paid a full year by the university if dismissed prior to Mack’s contract or he would have had Mack guarantee he would pay him at least one year salary out of his own pocket (which would probably be less than 1/5 of his total salary).

[drudy23]

If Mack was truly a good guy (and good friend), he would have either fought for Dino to stay or he would have given him some of his $4.7 million.

If Dino was a smarter guy, he would have made sure his contract said he got paid a full year by the university if dismissed prior to Mack’s contract or he would have had Mack guarantee he would pay him at least one year salary out of his own pocket (which would probably be less than 1/5 of his total salary).

Does this happen? Do coaches really pay assistants out of their own paychecks?

[nuts4xu]

If Mack was truly a good guy (and good friend), he would have either fought for Dino to stay or he would have given him some of his $4.7 million.


Why on earth would he give him "some of his $4.7 million"? Dino signed a contract, the contract wasn't renewed, and it's safe to assume there was language in the contract on what happens when the 2 entities decide to separate. That is fairly standard in most employment contracts. And if Dino didn't understand his contract, wasn't aware of his options, or the agreement said nothing about the end of his employment with UofL...then that is on Dino/his agent. It isn't Chris Mack's job to compensate a fellow employee when he is terminated. Maybe Dino could have/should have negotiated differently...but I see zero reason for Mack to pay him out of his own pocket. Friends or not.

[IM4X]

Why on earth would he give him "some of his $4.7 million"? Dino signed a contract, the contract wasn't renewed, and it's safe to assume there was language in the contract on what happens when the 2 entities decide to separate. That is fairly standard in most employment contracts. And if Dino didn't understand his contract, wasn't aware of his options, or the agreement said nothing you about the end of his employment with UofL...then that is on Dino/his agent. It isn't Chris Mack's job to compensate a fellow employee when he is terminated. Maybe Dino could have/should have negotiated differently...but I see zero reason for Mack to pay him out of his own pocket. Friends or not.

Because Dino is a 30 year friend who helped Mack throughout his career and someone who Mack convinced to join his staff and then went and fired him.

Yes, Dino made mistakes including not making sure he had a better payout if fired. But it sure sounds like Mack said he would not be fired and that Mack would take care of him. It has been stated that Dino only took the job because it was his understanding that it would be an opportunity he would be able to take into retirement. It sure sounded like Mack made him feel he would make sure Dino would by his side for the duration of Mack’s contract.

I agree that Dino should have gotten something in writing, but if you convince a friend and mentor of yours to help you out when you get a new HC job and you turn around and dump him -making him look like the problem with the coaching staff that needs to go, well that’s pretty shity - especially after all Dino and he have been through together. Yes, Mack shows his true colors once again by choosing to cowardly not standing up for his guys and instead use them as scapegoats. He is a piece of work. Personally, if I were making $4.7 million a year, begged a friend and mentor to join my staff and then had to let him go to save my own ass, I’d at least want to try to make it up in some way for the mess I’ve caused. I’d seriously think about offering him a little something - maybe a 10th of my salary (about $250k) after ended my friends employment.

Mack Motto: Thanks for your help, but now I got to throw you under the bus.

[MHettel]

Does this happen? Do coaches really pay assistants out of their own paychecks?

no.

[MHettel]

Because Dino is a 30 year friend who helped Mack throughout his career and someone who Mack convinced to join his staff and then went and fired him.

Yes, Dino made mistakes including not making sure he had a better payout if fired. But it sure sounds like Mack said he would not be fired and that Mack would take care of him. It has been stated that Dino only took the job because it was his understanding that it would be an opportunity he would be able to take into retirement. It sure sounded like Mack made him feel he would make sure Dino would by his side for the duration of Mack’s contract.

I agree that Dino should have gotten something in writing, but if you convince a friend and mentor of yours to help you out when you get a new HC job and you turn around and dump him -making him look like the problem with the coaching staff that needs to go, well that’s pretty shity - especially after all Dino and he have been through together. Yes, Mack shows his true colors once again by choosing to cowardly not standing up for his guys and instead use them as scapegoats. He is a piece of work. Personally, if I were making $4.7 million a year, begged a friend and mentor to join my staff and then had to let him go to save my own ass, I’d at least want to try to make it up in some way for the mess I’ve caused. I’d seriously think about offering him a little something - maybe a 10th of my salary (about $250k) after ended my friends employment.

Mack Motto: Thanks for your help, but now I got to throw you under the bus.

Delusional. This idea of one person paying another out of their own pocket due to a sense of loyalty does not exist on this planet.

[XUBison]

Delusional. This idea of one person paying another out of their own pocket due to a sense of loyalty does not exist on this planet.

Nor should it.

[IM4X]

Delusional. This idea of one person paying another out of their own pocket due to a sense of loyalty does not exist on this planet.

People still doing the right thing and stepping up for others today feels almost non-existent on this planet. That’s for sure. I am just saying Dino was pissed at Mack, according to Dino’s lawyer. Why is that? Is it possible Mack had let him know that he would be safe by his side for his entire contract and then quickly changed his tune when the administration came knocking about the team underperforming. Someone had to be responsible for the team not playing well and Mack sure as hell wasn’t going to man up and say “It’s on me and I can correct this with my guys.” You can call it delusional all you want, about a head coach paying out of his own pocket, but I call it pathetic that Mack didn’t do something more for Dino.

[Xavier]

I mean that is a complete guess from you. I would be shocked if Mack made a commitment like that to any assistant.

[GoMuskies]

Mack gave the guy a mid six-figure gig for a year, but he's the bad guy. Umm, sure.

[UCGRAD4X]

I don't know if Mack should have given Dino anything - out of his pocket or a promise of future employment. With this volatile business at a rabidly short tempered fan base and admin, I'm not sure how you can reasonable make that kind of promise, and it may not have been Mack's decision in the end.

My niece went to school with his daughter and they were besties (by niece's account) and by all of her accounts Dino was an upstanding guy. But I can see Mack saying, "If I can, I will keep you on...." but you can't promise.

The least Mack should have done is said, "There is a lot of blame to go around. Dino is an outstanding coach and an even better friend. We have decided a move in a different direction is necessary at this point in time, with this particular team. I wish Dino the best of luck. I'm sure there is a team out there that can use his outstanding abilities and particular skills better than I was able to."

That's what he could have said.

Mack's a dick.

[drudy23]

I doubt Gino was hot and heavy on the recruiting trail building relationships with 18 year olds - nor would Mack want him to.

So he was probably more of an experienced coaching asset on the bench. Maybe Mack wanted to shake up the thought process and go in a different direction. I'm sure Gaudio had his ways and things he liked. Sometimes strategy can shift and you need a new person with new ideas. Happens all the time.

Sounds like Dino just didn't take it very well, and then threaten low-level violations on top of it, with is probably more insulting than threatening actual violations - and they got pissed.

[paulxu]

Sounds like he is going to plead guilty to the charges. Was a dumb thing to do, trying to extort $. Hopefully he'll get another chance.

Also didn't realize that Shannon had been picked back up by Gannett/USA to be the beat writer for the Courier Journal covering U of L basketball.
That's good news for her.

https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2021/05/25/former-louisville-coach-dino-gaudio-has-change-of-plea-hearing/7424851002/

[drudy23]

He's going to get a slap on the wrist and move on.

[SM#24]

I don't know if Mack should have given Dino anything - out of his pocket or a promise of future employment. With this volatile business at a rabidly short tempered fan base and admin, I'm not sure how you can reasonable make that kind of promise, and it may not have been Mack's decision in the end.

My niece went to school with his daughter and they were besties (by niece's account) and by all of her accounts Dino was an upstanding guy. But I can see Mack saying, "If I can, I will keep you on...." but you can't promise.

The least Mack should have done is said, "There is a lot of blame to go around. Dino is an outstanding coach and an even better friend. We have decided a move in a different direction is necessary at this point in time, with this particular team. I wish Dino the best of luck. I'm sure there is a team out there that can use his outstanding abilities and particular skills better than I was able to."

That's what he could have said.

Mack's a dick.

Maybe he said something like that to Dino pre-extortion and Dino went off because the statement from Mack was definitely post-extortion (a statement I do not believe Mack wrote a single word of). We'll probably never know the real reason why Luke & Dino were let go. Maybe boosters and Admin falsely believed them to be the problem and forced Mack to release them. Maybe Mack thought they weren't doing a good enough job for the program and friends or not, felt he had to what was right for Louisville; plus I'm sure Mack has plenty of new Louisville friends. Maybe Mack is just a dick and is the one doing a poor job and deflecting the blame to Dino/Luke to save his own ass. Maybe parts of all of it.

[drudy23]

Maybe he said something like that to Dino pre-extortion and Dino went off because the statement from Mack was definitely post-extortion (a statement I do not believe Mack wrote a single word of). We'll probably never know the real reason why Luke & Dino were let go. Maybe boosters and Admin falsely believed them to be the problem and forced Mack to release them. Maybe Mack thought they weren't doing a good enough job for the program and friends or not, felt he had to what was right for Louisville; plus I'm sure Mack has plenty of new Louisville friends. Maybe Mack is just a dick and is the one doing a poor job and deflecting the blame to Dino/Luke to save his own ass. Maybe parts of all of it.

Every D1 coach has a lot of a**hole in them. That's a given. Probably a necessity for the job as well.

[IM4X]

The least Mack should have done is said, "There is a lot of blame to go around. Dino is an outstanding coach and an even better friend. We have decided a move in a different direction is necessary at this point in time, with this particular team. I wish Dino the best of luck. I'm sure there is a team out there that can use his outstanding abilities and particular skills better than I was able to."



Yes. That would have been the right thing to do. But Mack wouldn’t dare take an ounce of blame if he can just as easily throw an assistant or player under the bus. He has been that way since his days at X. Maybe Mack shouldn’t have hired Dino, but he did. As the head coach he ought to accept much of the blame and stop throwing his own people under the bus whether someone is trying to force him to do it or not. Instead, he takes no blame and allows two assistants - who get paid a fraction of his salary - to take the blame as if the team underperforming was all on them. Not a good look at all.

[IM4X]

Maybe he said something like that to Dino pre-extortion and Dino went off because the statement from Mack was definitely post-extortion (a statement I do not believe Mack wrote a single word of). We'll probably never know the real reason why Luke & Dino were let go. Maybe boosters and Admin falsely believed them to be the problem and forced Mack to release them. Maybe Mack thought they weren't doing a good enough job for the program and friends or not, felt he had to what was right for Louisville; plus I'm sure Mack has plenty of new Louisville friends. Maybe Mack is just a dick and is the one doing a poor job and deflecting the blame to Dino/Luke to save his own ass. Maybe parts of all of it.

Likely this is the answer.

[paulxu]

The end to one part of the saga:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31566177/ex-louisville-hoops-assistant-dino-gaudio-pleads-guilty-extortion-charge-avoid-prison

[UCGRAD4X]

The end to one part of the saga:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31566177/ex-louisville-hoops-assistant-dino-gaudio-pleads-guilty-extortion-charge-avoid-prison

So, is no one going to pursue the information he may (or may not) have about violations?

[Xville]

So, is no one going to pursue the information he may (or may not) have about violations?

I’m assuming it’s a nothing burger which is why Louisville called his bluff and got the feds involved. Has it been something serious, I’m sure they would have just paid him out and kept it hush hush

[JTG]

I’m assuming it’s a nothing burger which is why Louisville called his bluff and got the feds involved. Has it been something serious, I’m sure they would have just paid him out and kept it hush hush

This just confirms my opinion Mack is an asshole working for an asshole school.

[xukeith]

So, is no one going to pursue the information he may (or may not) have about violations?

I am sure the NCAA will look at these. UL was investigated recently from all the drama with Pitino. They will do diligence and see if there is smoke is their fire.

[Xavgrad08]

So mack was threatening to pull scholarships in a coaches meeting after the season. Bad look Chris. Like that Dino got a character reference from John Calipari. https://www.wdrb.com/news/dino-gaudio-says-he-confronted-louisville-head-coach-chris-mack-about-ncaa-violations-a-year/article_3b541916-fae0-11eb-8e60-0b6aeade0e4c.html

[drudy23]

So mack was threatening to pull scholarships in a coaches meeting after the season. Bad look Chris. Like that Dino got a character reference from John Calipari. https://www.wdrb.com/news/dino-gaudio-says-he-confronted-louisville-head-coach-chris-mack-about-ncaa-violations-a-year/article_3b541916-fae0-11eb-8e60-0b6aeade0e4c.html

NCAA D1 coaches are sharks - they don't really care about much. They will all sell anyone out to elevate and protect themselves. There's a reason most seem like used car salesmen. High level sports leaders, both in college and professionally, live a highly egotistical and chaotic existence. Ultra, maniacal type A people.

In saying that, can you imagine working in that environment everyday? One where you feel the need to tape a trusted coach and friend of 30 years in a private meeting?

Alot of people here have commented on Mack's attitude in his younger years - my guess is that alot of that is still there, he just got better at PR. But I do think he's the best X and O coach we ever had.

[basket]

NCAA D1 coaches are sharks - they don't really care about much. They will all sell anyone out to elevate and protect themselves. There's a reason most seem like used car salesmen. High level sports leaders, both in college and professionally, live a highly egotistical and chaotic existence. Ultra, maniacal type A people.

In saying that, can you imagine working in that environment everyday? One where you feel the need to tape a trusted coach and friend of 30 years in a private meeting?

Alot of people here have commented on Mack's attitude in his younger years - my guess is that alot of that is still there, he just got better at PR. But I do think he's the best X and O coach we ever had.

Your throwing me a bone but I promise I will NOT go there on his "younger years" and I mean as a H.S player. That being said I believe Gillen AND Staak were excellent X's and O's coaches!!

[drudy23]

Your throwing me a bone but I promise I will NOT go there on his "younger years" and I mean as a H.S player.

I had some experience with him in some above average rec leagues during his post college years, and I can attest to alot of what's been said. But that was a long time ago.

[Lloyd Braun]

Mack suspension related to this?

[Perma Fro]

Mack suspension related to this?

Per Pat Forde on Twitter…

“Louisville has suspended men's basketball coach Chris Mack for six games of the upcoming season. He's out more than $200k in salary. Dino Gaudio is being sentenced for extorting Mack within an hour. Lots happening at U of L.”

[GoMuskies]

That's awesome. Fuck him.

[noteggs]

Mack suspension related to this?

Yes and no. How’s that for a definitive answer?


A release from the school on Friday said that while Mack was a vicitim of an extortion attempt by Gaudio, he also failed to follow university guidelines in handling the matter. It also said these sanctions are unrelated to the extortion attempt itself and the ongoing NCAA process.

Very confusing

https://www.wdrb.com/sports/louisville-to-suspend-chris-mack-for-6-games-to-start-season/article_6f4cb242-0755-11ec-9bc5-870a891fcaaf.html

[Lloyd Braun]

So it sounds like they are punishing him for the handling of the extortion attempt, not the reason for the extortion attempt which was possible recruiting violations.

Gaudio was fined $10,000 and given 1 year probation. Mack’s suspension was basically $200k. So odd…

[xukeith]

He just wants better chemistry.

So Luke Murray and Dino Gaudio were sources of bad chemistry?

Dino wanted to get paid. Who knows Murray's story.

[MHettel]

This is hilarious. Mack should have just given Dino the 200K. Win/Win, compared to this embarrassing outcome.

[Xville]

My buddy just sent me this…so awesome and fuck Christie. Lyons is a savage:

https://mobile.twitter.com/realmarklyons?lang=en

[xu82]

Everybody loses here.


I’m OK with that.

[Xville]

He just wants better chemistry.

So Luke Murray and Dino Gaudio were sources of bad chemistry?

Dino wanted to get paid. Who knows Murray's story.

Everything I’ve heard from local people here is that Murray and Mack haven’t gotten along in a really long time..different philosophies and Murray probably isn’t a d-bag like his former boss.

Now this is just rumor, but if true pretty effed up…Murray was set to be announced as the new head coach at college of Charleston days before Murray got canned. Once he got canned, coc reneged due to the optics of hiring someone that had just gotten fired as an assistant.

[IM4X]

Link below has entire conversation/transcript between Dino and Mack.

** Gotta listen to these recordings or at least read the included transcript.**


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cardchronicle.com/platform/amp/2021/8/27/22645030/transcript-audio-chris-mack-dino-gaudio-conversation

[xuwin]

As an avid Xavier basketball fan it concerns me that ex Xavier basketball coaches Sean Miller, Book Richardson, Dino Gaudio and Chris Mack have been involved in shady activities since they left. I hope none of this started while they were at Xavier and only began with the programs that they joined.

[drudy23]

As an avid Xavier basketball fan it concerns me that ex Xavier basketball coaches Sean Miller, Book Richardson, Dino Gaudio and Chris Mack have been involved in shady activities since they left. I hope none of this started while they were at Xavier and only began with the programs that they joined.

I think you should probably come to peace with the realization that this type of stuff happens in most high level D1 coaching circles. These dudes are Type A on steroids...and then some. Once you become a head coach, you will likely do whatever it takes to stay there because the money, power and perks are all-consuming. The head coach is NEVER the fall guy unless he's the one that does something so ridiculously stupid, you can't ignore it (Pitino, Miller).

I'd venture to guess Mack and his bosses are much more concerned with him winning an ACC title and making the tournament than they are with this distraction.

[xukeith]

As an avid Xavier basketball fan it concerns me that ex Xavier basketball coaches Sean Miller, Book Richardson, Dino Gaudio and Chris Mack have been involved in shady activities since they left. I hope none of this started while they were at Xavier and only began with the programs that they joined.

Some former coaches are doing very well but not quite in the spotlight.

James Whitford, who assisted under Sean Miller, is in his 9th season at Ball State.

Mark Schmidt is king of Olean, NY in his 14th year for the Bonnies as everyone loves the guy. All he does is win.

If it bleeds , it leads. You don't hear how good a former coach does. You hear about recruiting issues or drama with an AD who doesn't see eye to eye with a bball coach.
Despite Miller being fired at Arizona, he was there a long time. He left as a classy guy despite all the smoke and rumors. Maybe nothing could be pinned on Miller.

[bleedXblue]

I think you should probably come to peace with the realization that this type of stuff happens in most high level D1 coaching circles. These dudes are Type A on steroids...and then some. Once you become a head coach, you will likely do whatever it takes to stay there because the money, power and perks are all-consuming. The head coach is NEVER the fall guy unless he's the one that does something so ridiculously stupid, you can't ignore it (Pitino, Miller).

I'd venture to guess Mack and his bosses are much more concerned with him winning an ACC title and making the tournament than they are with this distraction.

Yes, this stuff happens everywhere to a certain degree.

[XUGRAD80]

I'd venture to guess Mack and his bosses are much more concerned with him winning an ACC title and making the tournament than they are with this distraction.

I have no doubt that Mack did feel that way, but based on the recent suspension of Mack by his bosses, it would seem that his bosses have some other concerns as well. I kinda think that Mack might now start being just a little concerned with keeping his job and might realize that HOW you win and HOW you treat others, might be important too.

[Xville]

I think you should probably come to peace with the realization that this type of stuff happens in most high level D1 coaching circles. These dudes are Type A on steroids...and then some. Once you become a head coach, you will likely do whatever it takes to stay there because the money, power and perks are all-consuming. The head coach is NEVER the fall guy unless he's the one that does something so ridiculously stupid, you can't ignore it (Pitino, Miller).

I'd venture to guess Mack and his bosses are much more concerned with him winning an ACC title and making the tournament than they are with this distraction.

You are probably right on Mack, but I disagree in regards to his bosses. Louisville has had scandal after scandal for what seems like an eternity now, and those bosses (AD, President of the University etc) were put in place to clean things up. Mack was seen as someone who was a good coach, good family man and with some integrity (though some of us may know or think differently) This absolutely has to piss them off.

[xukeith]

I think the bad chemistry between Gaudio, Murray and others is part of politics in the workplace. Louisville didn't have a great season last year and Mack is the leader so he makes some changes. It happens everywhere but Gaudio exploded with resentment.

[JTG]

There's talk that some of the UL trustees are pissed about this whole episode. Even some chatter of dumping Mack, and starting over again with a new hire. This was according to sources at WDBR in Louisville.

[drudy23]

I think the bad chemistry between Gaudio, Murray and others is part of politics in the workplace. Louisville didn't have a great season last year and Mack is the leader so he makes some changes. It happens everywhere but Gaudio exploded with resentment.

Agreed - this type of thing happens all the time. Now, recording your direct report in a work conversation is a bit odd for a leader that seems to have his stuff together.

[XU 87]

. Mack was seen as someone who was a good coach, good family man and with some integrity (though some of us may know or think differently)

I'm curious about this statement. What did Mack do at X that showed a lack of integrity? I ask this question because I don't recall Mack ever personally being in any kind of trouble here nor the program being in any kind of trouble. And all of his players left with a degree.

[JTG]

I think with XU folks it's more of the thought that Mack had the potential to do some assholery, due to his personality.