WDBD FOX 40 Jackson MS Local News, Weather and Sports

WDBD Television for Jackson, MS

fox-news/sports/ncaa/louisville-cardinals

Legendary Louisville basketball coach Denny Crum dead at 86

Denny Crum, the winner of two college basketball national championships as head coach of Louisville, died Tuesday morning at the age of 86, the university said.  

Crum coached at Louisville from 1971-2001 and is one of 14 coaches to win at least two national championships in his career. 

Coach Denny Crum of the Louisville Cardinals during a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Craig Jones  /Allsport)

He led the Cardinals to six Final Four appearances in his 30 years and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994. 

LEBRON JAMES’ SON COMMITS TO PLAYING BASKETBALL AT USC

“Sometimes I think we take people for granted, and I think Coach Crum is one of those,” Roger Burkman, one of Crum’s former players said at his 85th birthday celebration, according to WDRB Louisville. 

“And the reason I say that is he’s always been there for all these years, for all of us, for this university and for this community. He’s that humble guy that you would never know was a legendary superstar of a basketball coach. He’s that loyal — let me repeat that, loyal — friend that’s generous and kind to everyone.”

Former head coach Denny Crum of the Louisville Cardinals speaks at the podium after being presented with the 2016 Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Men’s Basketball award during the 2016 Naismith Awards Brunch at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts April 3, 2016, in Houston.  (Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Crum took his teams to the NCAA Tournament 23 times, the 10th-most by any coach, and finished his career with a record of 675-295. 

He retired following the 2000-2001 season but continued to work for the university, spending a few years as the special assistant to the University of Louisville president. 

Denny Crum, left, Tom Jurich, center, and Kenny Klein, right, looking up at the scoreboard during a film honoring Crum’s career at the University of Louisville at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 7, 2007.  (James Dawson/WireImage)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Crum played college basketball at UCLA under legendary head coach John Wooden before joining the staff as an assistant coach. 

There are only five coaches in the history of college basketball who have more Final Four appearances than Crum. 

Joe Morgan is a Sports Reporter for Fox News.

Louisville’s Hailey Van Lith enters transfer portal after tournament run

Louisville star Hailey Van Lith entered the NCAA transfer portal on Saturday after three seasons with the Cardinals, scoring more than 1,500 points in her career.

Van Lith’s move came days after Louisville lost to Iowa in the Elite Eight. She’s set to graduate from Louisville in May, earning her degree in finance in three years. She has two more years of eligibility left because of the COVID year.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Louisville guard Hailey Van Lith looks to pass as Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke defends in the Elite 8 game of the NCAA Tournament, March 26, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Caean Couto)

“It’s been an honor over the last three years to have had the opportunity to pour my passion and heart into Louisville,” she wrote on Instagram. “This city has impacted my life in so many ways and helped shape me into the person I am today. The Louisville community has given to me selflessly. I will never forget your unwavering support.”

She averaged a career-high 19.7 points per game during the 2022-23 season. She averaged 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists. She scored a total of 1,553 points in the three years.

IOWA BASKETBALL PAUSES SEASON TICKET SALES AS DEMAND SKYROCKETS FOR CAITLIN CLARK’S SENIOR SEASON

Louisville guard Hailey Van Lith is congratulated by teammates during the Elite 8 game against Iowa in the NCAA Tournament, March 26, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

“We thank Hailey for her contributions to this program, this school and this community,” Louisville coach Jeff Walz said. “She has done everything we have asked of her over the past three years, and we wish her the very best in her final collegiate season and beyond.”

Van Lith wasn’t the only top name to enter the transfer portal.

Cal’s Jayda Curry entered the portal and committed to Louisville earlier in the week. DePaul’s Aneesah Morrow announced her plans to transfer as well.

Hailey Van Lith of the Louisville Cardinals warms up prior to their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the semifinals of the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 4, 2023, in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

It’s unclear where Van Lith will land.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Lamar Jackson will join Johnny Unitas with this accomplishment next month

Lamar Jackson will join Johnny Unitas in an exclusive club next month.

The University of Louisville will retire Jackson’s No. 8 in a ceremony on Nov. 13, the school announced Saturday. Jackson will join Unitas as the only players in school history to have numbers retired. Louisville retired the Pro Football Hall of Famer’s No. 16 in 2003.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Lamar Jackson (8) of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during a game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

“Lamar earned the Heisman and then the NFL MVP, and he’s not even 25 years old.  Even more remarkable, he’s only getting better. He was born shortly before Tom Brady entered the league so has the time to go beyond anything we’ve seen before,” Louisville vice president/athletics director Vince Tyra said in a release.

“His humble heart and grounded approach endears him to his teammates, his coaches and any staff he’s ever been around.  He knows it takes eleven to be successful on offense, not one. We’re so proud to retire his number 8 for what he has accomplished so far but are equally excited about what’s to come. This city has big L’s up for our guy.”

Lamar Jackson (8) of the Louisville Cardinals warms up for a game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter Finley Stadium on October 5, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina.  (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

During his Louisville career, Jackson passed for 9,043 yards and 69 touchdowns and rushed for a school-record 4,132 yards and 50 touchdowns. The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He won the NFL MVP award in 2019.

“I feel like I won a Heisman again,” he said in a video posted on the school’s Twitter account.

Johnny Unitas, number 19 from the Colts. (Photo by Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Louisville will host Syracuse on the jersey retirement day.

Potter leads No. 12 Wisconsin past No. 23 Louisville 85-48

The 12th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers overwhelmed short-handed Louisville, handing the No. 23 Cardinals their worst loss in more than 60 years.

Micah Potter scored 20 points and Aleem Ford added 12 to lead the Badgers an 85-48 non-conference victory over short-handed No. 23 Louisville on Saturday in a rescheduled ACC/Big Ten Challenge game.

It was Louisville’s most-lopsided loss since since Xavier beat the Cardinals 99-59 on Feb. 13, 1956.

“We were thoroughly out-played, out-manned, out-toughed, out-coached,” Louisville coach Chris Mack said. “Wisconsin’s got a veteran crew. They played like a million bucks and didn’t miss a shot from the field. We never really offered resistance the entire way.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Cardinals, playing their first game since Dec. 1 after team activities were suspended due to coronavirus issues within the program, were without leading scorer Carlik Jones. The graduate transfer point guard, averaging 17.3 points, traveled with the team, but didn’t play.

Louisville (4-1), playing its first road game, originally had been scheduled to play at Wisconsin on Dec. 9.

Trevor Anderson added 11 points and Brad Davison 10 for Wisconsin (6-1), which rolled to a 44-18 halftime lead.

David Johnson had 12 points and Quinn Slazinski 11 for the Cardinals.

“Obviously really pleased with the way we played,” Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said. “One of the more complete games we’ve probably played this year. Got a ton of contributions across the board. Everybody that stepped in there, I thought did a good job. I thought we got better, figured some things out as the game went on.”

The Badgers gained control early with 16 consecutive points, capping the run at 25-4 when Davison was fouled on a 3-pointer and added the free throw.

Louisville, which started two freshmen and three sophomores, went almost nine minutes without scoring, missing 11 shots and committing six turnovers over that span, and obviously missed Jones.

“He changes our team,” Mack said. “The ball-handling responsibilities don’t solely fall on him. It’s not going to make up whatever the deficit was. It is what it is. Those are the cards we’re dealt. Had we fought and done the things early in the game to give ourselves a chance going into halftime, then maybe the game’s different.”

Wisconsin relied on its 3-point shooting to extend the lead to 44-18 at the half. D’Mitirk Trice put the Badgers up 6-0 with a pair of 3-pointers. Wisconsin finished the half 10 of 17 beyond the arc, including three each by Trice and Davison.

Wisconsin led comfortably throughout the second half. Anderson’s 3-pointer capped a 13-0 run that put the Badgers up 80-38 with 3:40 remaining.

The Badgers shot 54.4 percent, making 31 of 57 shots, including 16 of 25 from three-point range. Wisconsin also scored 19 points off 18 Louisville turnovers.

Wisconsin’s victory gives the Big Ten a 7-5 lead in the ACC/Big Ten challenge and enables them to clinch it.

“When you get 22 assists, you’re not doing that by accident,” Gard said. “The ball’s moving. We played pretty well inside-out. We were able to touch the post, whether it was driving and kicking, touching the post and playing from within there. For the most part, we took pretty good shots. And when you take good shots, I trust if you give us enough of them, we’re probably going to knock a few down.”

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Wisconsin should benefit from the lopsided victory over a ranked team, short-handed or not. Louisville probably will drop out of the Top 25.

BIG PICTURE

Louisville: The youthful Cardinals need the leadership and experience of Jones as they rebound from the lengthy coronavirus-related hiatus.

Wisconsin: The Badgers have benefited from continuing to play with victories over Rhode Island and Loyola in games added to the scheduled after other games were canceled due to COVID situations.

UP NEXT

Louisville is at Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

Wisconsin hosts Nebraska on Tuesday.

NFL, NBA, WNBA players should steer athletes away from Louisville, Kentucky amid Breonna Taylor case, Rev. Jesse Jackson says

Rev. Jesse Jackson called on professional athletes to discourage high-profile high school athletes from attending the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky in wake of the Breonna Taylor indictment decision.

Jackson particularly called on players from the NFL, NBA and WNBA to help him out.

HERSCHEL WALKER APPLAUDS BIDEN OVER LOUISVILLE VIOLENCE RESPONSE, CHALLENGES HARRIS

“The players in the WNBA, NFL & NBA must discourage high profile athletes, basketball & football players, from going to the University of Kentucky & the University of Louisville. We must make economic life in KY inconvenient. This tactic has always worked for oppressed people,” Jackson tweeted.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was asked about Jackson’s tweet and said he disagreed with the reverend’s call, according to WKYT-TV. He said the schools didn’t have anything to do with the Taylor case.

COWBOYS’ DAK PRESCOTT ON BREONNA TAYLOR INDICTMENT DECISION: ‘THAT’S DISGUSTING’

Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison was indicted on three counts of wanton endangerment in the first degree, a Jefferson County grand jury announced Wednesday. The other two officers at the focal point of the investigation avoided charges. No officer was charged in Taylor’s death.

The indictment was announced 194 days after Taylor, 26, was shot six times by the officers who entered her home during a botched drug raid on March 13.

Authorities found that the bullets fired by Hankison traveled into the neighboring apartment while three residents were home – a male, a pregnant female and a child – Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said at a press conference after the grand jury’s announcement.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Hankinson faces up to five years on each of three counts if convicted, Cameron said.

NFL, NBA, WNBA players should steer athletes away from Louisville, Kentucky amid Breonna Taylor case, Rev. Jesse Jackson says

Rev. Jesse Jackson called on professional athletes to discourage high-profile high school athletes from attending the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky in wake of the Breonna Taylor indictment decision.

Jackson particularly called on players from the NFL, NBA and WNBA to help him out.

HERSCHEL WALKER APPLAUDS BIDEN OVER LOUISVILLE VIOLENCE RESPONSE, CHALLENGES HARRIS

“The players in the WNBA, NFL & NBA must discourage high profile athletes, basketball & football players, from going to the University of Kentucky & the University of Louisville. We must make economic life in KY inconvenient. This tactic has always worked for oppressed people,” Jackson tweeted.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was asked about Jackson’s tweet and said he disagreed with the reverend’s call, according to WKYT-TV. He said the schools didn’t have anything to do with the Taylor case.

COWBOYS’ DAK PRESCOTT ON BREONNA TAYLOR INDICTMENT DECISION: ‘THAT’S DISGUSTING’

Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison was indicted on three counts of wanton endangerment in the first degree, a Jefferson County grand jury announced Wednesday. The other two officers at the focal point of the investigation avoided charges. No officer was charged in Taylor’s death.

The indictment was announced 194 days after Taylor, 26, was shot six times by the officers who entered her home during a botched drug raid on March 13.

Authorities found that the bullets fired by Hankison traveled into the neighboring apartment while three residents were home – a male, a pregnant female and a child – Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said at a press conference after the grand jury’s announcement.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Hankinson faces up to five years on each of three counts if convicted, Cameron said.

Father of Louisville wide receiver dies from coronavirus complications

Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.

The father of Louisville wide receiver Corey Reed Jr. died Wednesday from complications of the coronavirus, the team announced.

Reed’s father died in a hospital in his hometown of Atlanta. He was 43.

CLEMSON’S TREVOR LAWRENCE, GIRLFRIEND ALLOWED TO REVIVE CORONAVIRUS VICTIMS FUNDRAISER AFTER CONFUSION

“My deepest condolences go out to Corey and his entire family,” Louisville Cardinals football coach Scott Satterfield said in a statement.

“This horrible virus has affected so many people, and it’s even more difficult when it touches someone in the UofL football family,” he added. “We have been in contact with Corey and his family, and are here to support him during this extremely difficult time.”

NCAA PLANS TO EXTEND ELIGIBILITY OF SPRING SPORTS ATHLETES

Reed entered Louisville prior to the start of the 2017 season. He played four games his freshman year and caught eight passes for 145 yards. Reed only played one game his sophomore year.

Corey Reed’s father tragically passed away. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

He entered the transfer portal last year and ended up playing four games at Iowa Western Community College before returning to Louisville last month, according to 24/7 Sports.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

As of Wednesday, Georgia had at least 1,600 coronavirus cases and at least 55 deaths. There have been at least 76,500 cases across the U.S. with roughly 23,000 deaths.

Father of Louisville wide receiver dies from coronavirus complications

Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.

The father of Louisville wide receiver Corey Reed Jr. died Wednesday from complications of the coronavirus, the team announced.

Reed’s father died in a hospital in his hometown of Atlanta. He was 43.

CLEMSON’S TREVOR LAWRENCE, GIRLFRIEND ALLOWED TO REVIVE CORONAVIRUS VICTIMS FUNDRAISER AFTER CONFUSION

“My deepest condolences go out to Corey and his entire family,” Louisville Cardinals football coach Scott Satterfield said in a statement.

“This horrible virus has affected so many people, and it’s even more difficult when it touches someone in the UofL football family,” he added. “We have been in contact with Corey and his family, and are here to support him during this extremely difficult time.”

NCAA PLANS TO EXTEND ELIGIBILITY OF SPRING SPORTS ATHLETES

Reed entered Louisville prior to the start of the 2017 season. He played four games his freshman year and caught eight passes for 145 yards. Reed only played one game his sophomore year.

Corey Reed’s father tragically passed away. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

He entered the transfer portal last year and ended up playing four games at Iowa Western Community College before returning to Louisville last month, according to 24/7 Sports.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

As of Wednesday, Georgia had at least 1,600 coronavirus cases and at least 55 deaths. There have been at least 76,500 cases across the U.S. with roughly 23,000 deaths.

Rick Pitino returns to college basketball as Iona coach

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — Hall of Famer Rick Pitino was named basketball coach at Iona College on Saturday.

Pitino coached at Louisville from 2001-17 before being fired in a pay-for-play scandal and had been coaching in Greece. He replaces Tim Cluess, who resigned Friday due to health concerns after 10 years and six NCAA Tournament appearances.

“My passion in basketball started in New York and will end there at Iona College,” Pitino said in a statement released by the Catholic school located north of New York City in suburban Westchester County that has an undergraduate enrollment of 3,300 students.

ST. JOHN’S MASCOT’S IMAGE SITTING IN EMPTY ARENA RESONATES WITH FANS AS NCAA CANCELS TOURNAMENTS

“Tim Cluess has done a spectacular job creating success and a winning spirit,” Pitino added. “At Iona, I will work with the same passion, hunger and drive that I’ve had for over 40 years.”

“At Iona, I will work with the same passion, hunger and drive that I’ve had for over 40 years.”

— Rick Pitino

Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino was fired by the University of Louisville after the launch of a federal fraud investigation. (Associated Press)

The 67-year-old Pitino has a 770-271 overall record in college and became the first coach to take three different schools to the Final Four. He won national championships at Louisville (2013) and Kentucky (1996) and also went to the Final Four with Providence in 1987.

Pitino coached twice in the NBA, with the New York Knicks (1987-89) and the Boston Celtics (1997-2001), where he was also team president.

Last June, Pitino coached Panathinaikos to the championship in the Greek League.

Iona President Seamus Carey said “after a thorough interview process we are confident that Rick’s experience and commitment to Iona and our community make him the right person to continue to build on Tim Cluess’ success.”

EX-COACH RICK PITINO, LINKED TO STRIPPER SCANDAL, DENIES NAMING HORSE PARTY DANCER

Pitino’s return to college basketball comes nearly six months after he and Louisville settled lawsuits stemming from his departure in the wake of a federal investigation of corruption in college basketball.

The coach had sued the University of Louisville Athletic Association for more than $38.7 million in November 2017, alleging its breached its contract by firing him for cause the previous month. The school had countersued and sought monetary damages for vacated games and bonuses. Pitino received no money in the settlement, with his personnel file changing from termination to a resignation effective 13 days before he was fired.

The settlement closed a bitter final chapter between the school and Pitino, who wasn’t named in the federal complaint. He repeatedly said he knew nothing about payments made to the family of a recruit to sign with Louisville.

The school’s acknowledgement of its involvement in the federal investigation occurred as it appealed NCAA sanctions that cost Louisville its 2013 national championship.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

In that case, the governing body ordered the vacation of 123 victories, including the Cardinals’ third national title and their 2012 Final Four appearance, following an escort’s book allegations that former Louisville men’s basketball staffer Andre McGee hired her and other dancers to strip and have sex with players and recruits.

Pitino said he was unaware of any of the activities described in the book. While Louisville reiterated in a joint settlement statement that infractions under his watch led to “serious consequences” for the school, it acknowledged Pitino’s success and commitment to his players and thanked him for his service.

Rick Pitino returns to college basketball as Iona coach

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — Hall of Famer Rick Pitino was named basketball coach at Iona College on Saturday.

Pitino coached at Louisville from 2001-17 before being fired in a pay-for-play scandal and had been coaching in Greece. He replaces Tim Cluess, who resigned Friday due to health concerns after 10 years and six NCAA Tournament appearances.

“My passion in basketball started in New York and will end there at Iona College,” Pitino said in a statement released by the Catholic school located north of New York City in suburban Westchester County that has an undergraduate enrollment of 3,300 students.

ST. JOHN’S MASCOT’S IMAGE SITTING IN EMPTY ARENA RESONATES WITH FANS AS NCAA CANCELS TOURNAMENTS

“Tim Cluess has done a spectacular job creating success and a winning spirit,” Pitino added. “At Iona, I will work with the same passion, hunger and drive that I’ve had for over 40 years.”

“At Iona, I will work with the same passion, hunger and drive that I’ve had for over 40 years.”

— Rick Pitino

Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino was fired by the University of Louisville after the launch of a federal fraud investigation. (Associated Press)

The 67-year-old Pitino has a 770-271 overall record in college and became the first coach to take three different schools to the Final Four. He won national championships at Louisville (2013) and Kentucky (1996) and also went to the Final Four with Providence in 1987.

Pitino coached twice in the NBA, with the New York Knicks (1987-89) and the Boston Celtics (1997-2001), where he was also team president.

Last June, Pitino coached Panathinaikos to the championship in the Greek League.

Iona President Seamus Carey said “after a thorough interview process we are confident that Rick’s experience and commitment to Iona and our community make him the right person to continue to build on Tim Cluess’ success.”

EX-COACH RICK PITINO, LINKED TO STRIPPER SCANDAL, DENIES NAMING HORSE PARTY DANCER

Pitino’s return to college basketball comes nearly six months after he and Louisville settled lawsuits stemming from his departure in the wake of a federal investigation of corruption in college basketball.

The coach had sued the University of Louisville Athletic Association for more than $38.7 million in November 2017, alleging its breached its contract by firing him for cause the previous month. The school had countersued and sought monetary damages for vacated games and bonuses. Pitino received no money in the settlement, with his personnel file changing from termination to a resignation effective 13 days before he was fired.

The settlement closed a bitter final chapter between the school and Pitino, who wasn’t named in the federal complaint. He repeatedly said he knew nothing about payments made to the family of a recruit to sign with Louisville.

The school’s acknowledgement of its involvement in the federal investigation occurred as it appealed NCAA sanctions that cost Louisville its 2013 national championship.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

In that case, the governing body ordered the vacation of 123 victories, including the Cardinals’ third national title and their 2012 Final Four appearance, following an escort’s book allegations that former Louisville men’s basketball staffer Andre McGee hired her and other dancers to strip and have sex with players and recruits.

Pitino said he was unaware of any of the activities described in the book. While Louisville reiterated in a joint settlement statement that infractions under his watch led to “serious consequences” for the school, it acknowledged Pitino’s success and commitment to his players and thanked him for his service.