When does Pitino take the blame?

Derrick Caracter was sent home today, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino announced at his regular day-before-a-game press conference.

Let me say this first: Caracter is partially to blame for all that has happened. There's no doubt about that.

But when will we point a finger at Rick Pitino?

Add Caracter to a list of players, seemingly growing by the year, that have been ousted by Pitino. Have all these players--including, but not limited to, Lorenzo Wade, Brandon Bender, Carlos Hurt, and others--been in the wrong every time? Doubtful.

There's one common thread with these many transfers and defections. Rick Pitino. See here and here just to name a few.

Yet, there are a loyal group of fans that continue to turn a blind eye to that one common thread. It's pathetic on one hand, but on the other hand, you've got to commend that kind of blind loyalty to Pitino by a solid group of backers, given the repetitiveness of these defections.

But it's a catch-22. Jurich won't get rid of Pitino. At least no time soon.

And why should he? Louisville, through the good times and bad, enjoys one very important title: Most profitable basketball program in America. And that is because of Pitino.

So let the transfers and 20-month mediocrity continue. And Jurich will continue to laugh all the way to the bank.

EZ MONEY: College Hoops
Record going in: 7-1-1

KENTUCKY (-7.5) vs. Massachusetts ** WIN **
BUTLER (-10) vs. Evansville ** WIN **

Record going out: 9-1-1