ESPN's John Barr, is reporting that Katina Powell's publisher, The Indiana Business Journal, has been subpoenaed by the Commonwealth's Attorney to testify in grand jury proceedings.  IBJ will appear before the grand jury on November 5th.  Grand jury proceedings are secret and parties subpoenaed to appear are not allowed to comment.  According to Powell's attorney, Larry Wilder, at this time she has not received a subpoena to testify in the proceedings. 

It was already known that the Commonwealth's Attorney was going to open an investigation to determine whether there were crimes against children stemming from the activity alleged in Powell's book, "Breaking Cardinal Rules."  Tom Wine, the Commonwealth's Attorney in Jefferson County, declined to comment. However, I don't think it's a stretch to say that the purpose of these proceedings will likely center around whether Katina Powell's minor children were involved in her alleged prostitution ring. 

You can follow WDRB's Jason Riley for the latest information on the subpoenas as it comes out. 

​The Louisville Cardinals travel to Winston-Salem tonight for a primetime Friday night game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.  Just like every game remaining on the schedule, this is an important contest for the Cards in a couple of different ways.  Wake Forest was picked as the worst team in the Atlantic Division in the preseason, and they really haven’t done anything thus far to show that isn’t the case.  Wake currently sits at 3-5 (1-4 ACC), with a single 3-0 ACC win over Boston College.  

I know, it seems counter-intuitive to talk about how bad Wake Forest is at 3-5 when Louisville sits at 3-4.  But, Wake’s first three games were against Elon, Syracuse, and Army.  That’s not really on par with Auburn, Houston, and Clemson.  Be that as it may, tonight’s game will serve as a dividing line for both teams down the stretch.  If Wake loses this game their chances of getting to 6-6 and making a bowl are slim to none.  What that says to me is that they are a team desperate for a win, and a desperate team playing at home can be dangerous.

For Louisville, a stumble here would mean the best they could hope for this year is 7-5, and that’s assuming they win out.  Not exactly a given with your final two games on the road against a ranked team and then your rival.  The truth of the matter, and this has been the case since they started 0-3, is that Louisville has no room for error in terms of making this a successful campaign.

It’s not like Louisville’s is great, but Wake Forest’s offense is, well, it’s pretty bad. The Demon Deacons are currently 119th out of 128 FBS teams in points/ game.  Again, Louisville isn’t exactly lighting up scoreboards this season.  The Cards currently sit at 90th in points/ game.  Here, I’ll reiterate that Wake hasn’t played a schedule as difficult as Louisville’s.  

I don’t like to play the transitive property game because it doesn’t account for every variable.  But, if you’re into that sort of thing, Wake and Louisville have played three common opponents: Florida State, Boston College, and North Carolina State.  While Louisville went 2-1 against those teams, Wake went 1-2.  Louisville’s offense managed 54pts against those teams while Wake posted 36.  On the flip side, Louisville’s defense allowed 71 points to those three teams, while Wake gave up just 59. What does all of that mean? Well, not a lot in my opinion because you still have to buckle up your chin strap and go play the game.

Louisville is the more talented team, and the Wake Forest offense is going to have some serious issues moving the ball.  Because of that, I don’t think the offense will have to do a lot to get the win.  It would be nice to see the Cards get some production out of the running game from someone not named Lamar Jackson.  We saw some flashes of that last weekend against a stout Boston College defense, especially with what I now refer to as "The Reggie Package.” 

Still, I’d love to see the other running backs get it going tonight.  For that to happen the offensive line is going to have to play well, which is not exactly something we’ve seen on a consistent basis this year.  Be that as it may, I expect that unit to play well.  We'd seen some signs of improvement heading into last week’s game, but Boston College’s front seven has made every OLine it played look pedestrian this year.  Call it a “snap-back” effect if you want, but, at the very least I think the OLine is going to find the sledding a little less difficult by comparison to what they saw last week.

Expecting that the defense and OLine will play well, I think this game comes down to QB play.  To be honest, I don’t even think Lamar will need to play a great game for Louisville to get the win.  All he needs to do is be efficient and value the football.  Losing the turnover battle is a sure-fire recipe for losing a game you should otherwise win.

Personally, I always love the Friday night games because your team gets a chance to be the only show in town for three hours.  Such opportunities helped Louisville build its program into something we all love. While Wake Forest isn’t an opponent that’s going to get your blood roiling, it’s a conference game and a chance to claw your way to .500, a position this team has yet to be in this year.  Let's make it happen, boys.  

Damion Lee and Trey Lewis, two 5th year transfers, were front and center representing the University of Louisville at ACC media days.  Lee and Lewis had to have gone into the day knowing they would be asked at leeast a handful of questions about the ongoing scandal surrounding the program.  The two young men handled themselves with a  level of tact and professionalism that is to be applauded by fans. 

Lee and Lewis told members of the assembled media that they understood why Coach Pitino was not present because he had been advised not to speak about the ongoign investigations.  Both players offered strong support for Coach Rick Pitino. Here are a few nuggets from Lee and Lewis:

• Lee:  He said that he has no control over whether Louisville recieves a post-season ban. Told the media that he's just focused on keeping his teammates positive.

• Lewis: He said that he is just focused on shchool and basketball, and that the whole situation has made the team focus on what they came to Louisville to do.  Told the media that if the scandal is bothering Rick Pitino you would never know it because he comes in fired up every day. 

 You can read a full summary of their statements, with quotes, in Jeff Greir's article, HERE.

Lee and lewis also put on an impromptu exhibition of their mucical talents.  It was pretty cool to see these guys enjoying themselves.  

Katina Powell's attorney, Larry Wilder, spoke to ESPN 680's Jason Anderson this afternoon.  The biggest takeaway here is that Wilder has advised Powell against speaking to the NCAA unless she is granted immunity from criminal prosecution.  I gave an analysis of his advice HERE. 

In case you missed it, you can hear the interview in its entirety below. 

In what can only be described as another bizarre development in this story, Katina Powell's attorney, Larry Wilder, gave an interview to ESPN 680's Jason Anderson this afternoon.  According to Anderson, Wilder said he has advised his client against speaking with the NCAA and the University of Louisville unless they can guarantee her immunity from criminal prosecution.  Wait, what the what?  This doesn't make a lot of sense to me on several levels.  It would seem to me that Powell's attorney is trying to leverage any influence the University of Louisville wields in this city to help his client avoid criminal prosecution. 

First and foremost, neither the NCAA nor UofL have the power to grant Katina Powell immunity from criminal prosecution.  The decision on whether or not to prosecute someone is within the sound discretion of a prosecutor.  Second, despite what University officials have said in public statements, I can't imagine they want Powell speaking to the NCAA.  Think about it.  Powell's book and  her public appearances are already out there.  What more could she have to offer?  It just doesn't seem plausible to me that she would have anything of substance to offer that she can also prove.  ​If that were the case, it would've been included in the book or her public appearances. 

​Even if you assume the University of Louisville has the influence and power to convince the Commonwealth's Attorney to grant Powell immunity, which they don't, why would they do it?  This story has now spun into the realm of national news.  So what?  The Commonwealth's Attorney is gonna forego prosecuting someone who may have committed crimes against children just so the NCAA can nail a college basketball program?  Sure, and I'm the Queen of England.

Just to recap here: 

1) Neither Louisville nor the NCAA can grant Powell immunity from prosecution; and

2) I find it highly unlikely that Powell has any additional credible information to offer.  If that were the case, why wouldn't you include that information in your "tell all" book? 

ESPN 680 will air the full interview this afternoon at 3:20. You can listen to the interview below. 

Louisville bested the Boston College by a score of 17 – 14 Saturday in a game that can only be described as ugly.  Of the 31 total points scored inside Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, only 17 of them were scored by the offenses. The other 14 points came from a blocked punt return by BC and a Sheldon Rankins 46yd fumble return (FAT GUY TOUCHDOWN!).   It was a defensive struggle (emphasis on the struggle), but an ACC win is an ACC win, so I really don’t care how ugly it was.  The important thing is that we got the right result and now have a short week to get ready for Wake Forest. 

In my game preview I talked about how good the BC defense was, and how anemic their offense had been heading into the day.  All of those things were on full display during the game.  The Eagles’ offense managed just 79 total yards, and while I think our defense is better than its second half performance at FSU, a lot of that number is because of how bad BC is on that side of the ball.  On defense, the Eagles’ front seven lived on the Louisville side of the ball.  No one exemplified this more than BC linebacker Steven Daniels, who had 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks in racking up 11 total tackles on the day.  Daniels was, for lack of a better term, everywhere.

Even though the BC defense was wreaking havoc, Louisville was able to make some big plays on the ground and through the air.  Lamar Jackson completes 60% of his passes for 230yds and he was pushing the ball downfield at an average of 9yds per completion.  Louisville running backs also had a measure of success, by committee, as Reggie Bonnafon and Jeremy Smith gained 107yds on 18 carries for an average of nearly 6yds per attempt.  Brandon Radcliff had a rough game, totaling -2 yards on 6 carries with a fumble late in the 4th Quarter that could’ve been disastrous.  But, like I said, the Boston College offense is disastrous in its own right and it all worked out in the end.

I continue to be amazed at how quickly Reggie Bonnafon has taken to the running back position.  Remember, he was a WR for most of his high school career at Trinity.  His smooth transition to a foreign position is a credit to the young man’s work ethic.  I also think his attitude and leadership have been a tremendous help to Lamar Jackson’s development. 

Speaking of Lamar, I thought he did a really good job considering the duress he was under at the hands of the BC defense. However, taking care of the football continues to be an issue for Jackson who threw two interceptions that may have been back-breakers against a better team.  The Eagles are a disciplined group, and they never really let Lamar get loose in the open field, which is a credit to them because we all know what sort of play-maker he is.  Jackson also injured his ankle early on and battled through it, which is commendable.  

Ugly or not, a win is a win is a win, and that’s what we got on Saturday.  The next three games are not gimmes, but they are there for the taking.  The Cards travel to Wake Forest on Friday night, then host Syracuse and Virginia before traveling to #23 Pittsburgh.  The next three games are must-wins, but they also present an opportunity for Louisville to gain some confidence and momentum before two tough road contests to close out the year.  Any stumble between now and Pitt would put 8 wins and any hope of a semi-decent bowl game out of reach.  Let’s just win then next five and call a day. 

by Dave Lackford
​October 25th, 2015

Desmond (Dez) Fitzpatrick is a 6-foot-2 inch, 189-pound, WR/DB,  from Waterford Mott High School in Waterford, Michigan.  So far this year, he has set defenses on fire with 54 catches for 1,215 yards, and 21 TDS, tops for all Michigan receivers.  He has also victimized opposing quarterbacks for 6 interceptions, housing two of those for touchdowns, one from 98 yards, and the other from 90 yards out.

Dez is a home run threat.  He has scored 38% of the times he has touched the ball.  His monster season has put him squarely in the mix for the Michigan Mr. Football Award. 

You can see his 2015 season highlights here: 

Dez comes from a football pedigree.  His father Greg, was a standout defensive back for Central State University from 1984-1988, and enjoyed brief stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Toronto Arguenauts.  Dez frequently jokes that he could teach his old man a thing or two about playing defensive back. 
​
Since his commitment to  Louisville, nearly a year ago on Halloween, Dez's recruitment has blown up.  According to rivals.com, Fitzpatrick holds ten offers from Power Five schools and 14 offers over all.  

I had the good fortune of interviewing Dez and this is what we discussed.

You’re having a huge season, you had two picks and 5 catches for 199 yards in your last game, why have you been so dominant this season?
 
I think my production on the field is a result of my tough off season workouts, the intensity of my new coaches, and our offensive scheme. My new coaches are awesome and really know offensive football. I had Osgood Schlatter in my right knee last year from growing 4-inches, so I couldn't really workout and condition last off season and it slowed me down a lot.

You said on twitter that you’re a DB at heart, clarify that statement.
 
I was just being funny and messing with my Dad because I have 6 INTs this year. He played DB in college and the pros and he always tells me that he would lock me up and that I couldn't play corner like he did, so after my 2 INTs in our big game I wanted to mess with him a little bit.

If you could face one WR as a DB, who would it be, and if you could go against one DB as a WR, who would it be?
 
I would love to play against whoever is supposed to be the top guy at each position! I don't believe that "anyone" on the planet can stop me in a game while I'm lined up at receiver!
 
What is your biggest strength as a WR or DB, what parts of your game do you work the hardest to improve?
 
As a receiver, I believe that my size, speed, and route running are my strongest points, along with my ball skills. I have worked on being a technician since I was 6 years old and believe that I can study any DB or coverage and know how to beat you within our offensive scheme. As far as DB, I just play and use my knowledge as a receiver to read your routes and use my balls skills to get picks.

What schools are pushing the hardest for your services lately, in light of your on-field success this year?
 
The teams that have been coming the hardest are Illinois, Nebraska, Pitt and Indiana. I'm also hearing from Oregon, Arizona, and Arkansas.
 
You are one of the best HS players in the state, and you hold an offer from the University of Michigan, how hard is the Wolverines' staff coming after you?
 
I don't really hear from Michigan.

What drives you to work so hard? Are you a film guy, a gym gym, or both?
 
My dad has worked with me for years on being a receiver. I love the game and want to continue playing until I'm about 35 years old, so I know that I have to work hard and be a student of the game and separate myself. I love watching film, lifting and working on the technical part of my game to keep my edge. I believe that smart players like Jerry Rice and Chris Carter play for a very long time!
 
You committed to UofL almost a year ago, how often are you in contact with the staff and who have you established the strongest relationship with?  
 
I'm in contact with (Defensive Backs) Coach (Terrell) Buckley and (Head) Coach (Bobby) Petrino the most. Me and (Wide Receivers) coach (Lamar) Thomas talk sometimes and usually joke and laugh a lot when we talk. The UL staff is really cool and serious about offensive football. I know exactly where I stand and what's expected of me.

Has the UofL basketball scandal had any effect on your commitment?
 
We haven't paid that much attention to the UL basketball scandal. It really has nothing to do with my recruitment. I'm sure that the University will work everything out. We talked about it briefly as a family and did our research.

You have stated that you want to take official visits to other schools, which schools are you considering and have you set anything in stone?
 
I'm going to do all 5 official visits. Working on sorting that out now.
 
Thanks for your time Desmond, what else would you everyone to know about you?
 
I want people to know that I plan to be one of the greatest receivers to ever play!!!

Louisville fans have a lot to be excited about in Desmond Fitzpatrick. He's an explosive playmaker with ideal size. He runs crisp routes, catches everything thrown his way, and puts pressure on the defense with his speed on the outside and his savvy running routes over the middle.

Some folks have been concerned about Michigan, and other schools that have recently offered Dez, but his father told me that his commitment is solid at this point. Also, even though he visited in the spring, and holds an offer, Dez doesn't speak with the Michigan staff very often. While he plans to take all five of his official visits, the fact that he hasn't taken any this late in the season is a good sign for Cards' fans, and Louisville will get one of those visits.

Dez has a good relationship with the U of L staff and his main recruiter, Terrell Buckley, He is also tight with current Louisville commits, Jawon Pass, Rodjay Burns, Keon Wakefield, Seth Dawkins, Chris-Taylor Yamanhoma, and Derrick Dorsey.  While you see a lot of receivers in that group, and may think Louisville's depth may be a concern for him, I was told by Dez's father that,
​
"Dez never pays attention to that. He believes that having competition is great!" 

It goes without saying that Desmond Fitzpatrick doesn't lack confidence in his game. His hard work and discipline has translated to the gridiron in a big way this year.  Dez is a key piece to the Cards' 2016 recruiting class.  He's the type of player that can change numbers on the score board from anywhere on the field. Make sure to keep an eye on him as he visits other schools but things seem solid right now as far as Dez's commitment to Louisville stands. 

This afternoon the University of Louisville announced that head basketball coach Rick Pitino would skip ACC media days next week.  The University will however send Damion Lee and Trey Lewis, two 5th year transfers who were not here during the time frame of Katina Powell's allegations from her book.  In an official statement, Pitino said: 

Objectively, I'll tell you this is not a good look, especially when you consider that two players with nothing to do with the scandal are still going.  No one outside of the Louisville fan base is going to view this in a positive light.  Many national and local writers have already weighed in...

Personally, I will tell you I'm pretty disappointed by this decision.  I realize Rick has already made several public statements regarding the controversy now swirling around his program.  However, if you're comfortable enough to talk about it that many times already, why not do it again?  The worst part is sending the kids to face the music on their own.  Sending two 5th year transfers into an  excruciatingly awkward& painful situation is, in my opinion, about the weakest thing you could do right now.  More than anything, it's not the least bit fair to those kids.  

All he would need to do is make a statement, tell the reporters he's not allowed to talk about "it" while the investigation is ongoing, and then pull a  Bill Belichick if he gets any questions he doesn't want to/ can't answer. Instead, it will be two young men Rick Pitino has repeatedly praised for everything they've meant to the program fending off the media mob next week. 

Kickoff: 12:30
TV: ESPN3/ ACC Network
Point Spread: Louisville by 7.5

After a disappointing performance at Florida State last weekend, Louisville returns home to the friendly confines of Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium to take on Boston College.  After a week filled with gut-wrenching stories about strippers and prostitution on the national stage, a home football game is a welcome site.

Boston College will come to town without a win over a Power5 school.  The Eagles’ run heavy offense has been and continues to be a hot mess.  They failed to score a single point in home games against Florida State and Wake Forest.  Yes, that Wake Forest.  They managed 17 points last week in a loss to Clemson, but that number is a little misleading because one touchdown came after taking over at the Clemson 20yd line, while the other came late in the 4th quarter during garbage time.

The Louisville defense came under heavy fire this week as some variance of the term, “lack of effort” was bandied about by players and coaches following a disastrous second half against FSU.  It’s hard to deny that effort was an issue with those kinds of internal statements coming from the team.  There was a lot on the line last weekend against a big time opponent, and heading into the half you really couldn’t have asked to be in a better position.  Considering the circumstances, a "lack of effort" from the team was confusing at best and unacceptable at worst.

Boston College will not present the same sort of match-up nightmares and freak athleticism we saw last weekend, but my prediction is that effort will be obvious on Saturday afternoon. 

Unlike their offense, the Boston College Defense is going to be up to the task.  One of the most telling stats I’ve seen this week is that the BC defense has allowed less rushing yards on the year than the worst rushing offense in the nation has gained.  That’s just ridiculous.  This defense may be the very best we see all year.  They are fundamentally sound, they swarm to the football, and they really get after the QB.
Consider the same games where BC was held scoreless, FSU and Wake.  Despite showing no life on offense, the Eagles were right in those games because of their defense.

Wake Forest managed only a field goal, and the Eagles held the Florida State offense to just 7 points.  Yes, the same Florida State that hung 41 on us last weekend.  The same Dalvin Cook who ran wild on us last weekend mustered only 54 yards against BC, 28 of which came on a single long run.
The Louisville offense will need to value the football, and take advantage of big plays when the opportunities present themselves.  Clemson was able to get some big plays in the passing game last weekend, but their QB took a beating as BC sacked DeShaun Watson three times.  

Lamar Jackson and the OLine are going to have their hands full tomorrow. 

The bottom line for this team's overall outlook is that they’ve lost only one game that no one expected them to lose.  The best teams on the schedule are now in the rear-view mirror, but there's no room for error.  Every game from now until the finale against Kentucky is a must win if the 2015 campaign is going to be considered a success by most fans.  Any wiggle room was squandered against Houston, but 8-4 is still possible.  The last thing anyone wants is to head into the UK game needing a win to make it to 7-5.
​
 I honestly think 8-4 would be a very successful year given the roster turnover and youth movement.  For that to happen, the team has to move on to the task at hand with the mindset that it all starts tomorrow at 12:30.

​Louisville Lawyer Sues Katina Powell for UofL Students
by Ambrose O'Bryan
edited by Dave Lackford
​
Louisville lawyer Nader G. Shunnarah has filed a civil suit against Katina Powell and IBJ Publishing on behalf of current University of Louisville students. Shunnarah has also petitioned the Court to obtain an injunction, stopping IBJ from paying Katina Powell from the proceeds of the book. The lawsuit alleges that Powell engaged in criminal conduct, promoting prostitution, and is now profiting from that criminal conduct.

In Kentucky, people who are intentionally harmed by the criminal conduct of someone else have a statutory right to recovery for that harm under KRS 446.070.  That statute says, “A person injured by the violation of any statute may recover from the offender such damages as he sustained by reason of the violation.” Essentially, the claim here is that Katina Powell has harmed students at the University of Louisville because of her criminal acts, and not those students have a right to recover from her.
Think about it like this:

1. Students at the University of Louisville are there because a degree from UofL has a market value greater than a degree from a smaller school, like Murray or Morehead State. Students also pay a premium price for that degree, more than they would pay for a degree at a smaller school.
2. The value of that degree is now diminished because the reputation of the school has been forever tarnished due to Katina Powell’s criminal conduct. 
3. The students who have been harmed by this criminal conduct have a statutory right to recover for that harm.  

It’s a creative legal theory.  It will be very interesting to see if the Court freezes Powell’s proceeds from the book, “Breaking Cardinal Rules.”

In an interview with Reservations4Six, Shunnarah said:

 “The goal here is to benefit students instead of the prostitute.  Who better to benefit than the students?  When you commit a criminal act and it damages an entire University, your degree, the value of your degree, your ability to pay back student loans, and your ability to get a job? What do you think of when you mention Penn State?  If you’ve got a degree from PSU, it’s got that taint to it and that has an effect. Also, if the school is sanctioned by the NCAA and can’t participate in the NCAA tournament, then the school loses money and that effects the students, tuition goes up.”

Currently there is only one student named in the law suit.  Shunnarah invites any currently enrolled University of Louisville Student to join the suit by calling Nader George Shunnarah at 502-587-7919 or by emailing him at [email protected].