Richard Pitino's Private Jet Life on Company Dime

[Vanimal46]

The Star Tribune wrote an article this morning presenting the findings of an audit performed on U of M athletics. Turns out, Richard Pitino way overspent his allowed expenses for private jet travel, and had "unreasonable spending" including returning multiple rental cars without filling the gas tank. 

He really put those expenses to good work coming off an 8-23 (2-16 in the Big 10) season. 

[Mike Sixel]

There is no reason they can't fly coach. Seriously. 

[bluechipper]

This doesn't really seem like a huge deal, or is it?

 

On a more positive note, the Gophers should be pretty good this year. A possible NCAA tournament team I think.

 

 

[Craig Arko]

This doesn't really seem like a huge deal, or is it?

 

On a more positive note, the Gophers should be pretty good this year. A possible NCAA tournament team I think.

You must not know anybody paying tuition at this institution of higher learning.

[DaveW]

 

There is no reason they can't fly coach. Seriously. 

Screw flying coach! The private jet stuff wouldn't bother me too much to be honest. The returning rental cars with empty tanks is just a d**k move frankly. Of course, none of this would even matter if Pitino could actually win a few games, which he can't, so it looks pretty bad for him TBH.

[nicksaviking]

 

Screw flying coach! The private jet stuff wouldn't bother me too much to be honest. The returning rental cars with empty tanks is just a d**k move frankly. Of course, none of this would even matter if Pitino could actually win a few games, which he can't, so it looks pretty bad for him TBH.

 

I agree, it doesn't matter if the fee for not returning it with a full tank is $20 bucks or $200, that's just the behavior of a self-entitled, spoiled brat who has had everything handed to him.

 

What?!? Me fill up my own tank? My time is so much more important than yours. You do it peon!

[Mike Sixel]

If you work for a huge company (or institution) and you exceed your budget by hundreds of thousands, ya, that's an issue.

 

there is zero reason these guys can't fly commercial like a normal human being. Zero.

[DaveW]

If you work for a huge company (or institution) and you exceed your budget by hundreds of thousands, ya, that's an issue.

 

there is zero reason these guys can't fly commercial like a normal human being. Zero.

Yeah good point. I mean I hate flying coach, but that is because I fly 100k miles a year, so I totally get not wanting to ride in the main cabin.

 

However there is no reason why Pitino can't fly biz class somewhere, that still is thousands and thousands cheaper than a freaking private jet. Which reminds me, I sat next to the Arizona Coyotoes GM (old Rangers player) a couple years ago on a southwest flight, if he can fly southwest, little Pitino can fly business class at the very least.

 

Again, if you want to be a prima Donna coach, and waste all this money, you better damn well be winning, if you aren't winning you should keep it in check, to say the least.

[twinsnorth49]

Private Jet?................The guy coaches the Gophers for Christ sake.

[Musk21]

I guess I don't see what the big deal is. Tubby Smith spent $172,000 on average over 5 years at the U, although that included lodging, meals, etc.

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2015/03/17/mens-basketball-recruiting-kansas-kentucky-louisville/24911927/

 

Competing for recruits has gotta be a cutthroat business....