Meet the newest University of Louisville employee and ambassador, former Cardinal great, Darrell Griffith.
Just a week after being in the news because of negative attention from a former player, the University of Louisville appears to have hit a home run with its newest hire.
Former Cardinal great, and the University of Louisville all-time leading scorer, Darrell Griffith joined the school staff back in November. The move was announced on Thursday.
According to the school, Griffith will work closely with President Neeli Bendapudi to increase the profile of the university and expand relationships in support of the university’s strategic plan as well as advancing the school’s Cardinal Anti-Racism Agenda.
For an administration and program dealing with the backlash of probations, fines, and various eye sores left behind from previous coaches and leaders, this feels like a much-needed move.
For a program that is considered a blue blood in college basketball, Griffith serves as one of the most prominent figureheads in the city. Griffith won the Naismith Award as the most outstanding player during the 1979-80 season. He led the Cardinals to their first-ever national title, and upon his retirement from professional basketball, moved back to Louisville where he became a prominent businessman.
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After the previous regime fell from grace in such epic fashion, the last thing the University of Louisville needs is to form a reputation of a school that is intolerant or does not properly acknowledge its predecessors.
Last week, former Cardinal star Butch Beard asked Bendapudi in an open letter to strike his name from the University of Louisville record books. Beard cited Louisville’s unwillingness to form relationships with former African American players who were trailblazers for the program, school, and community.
The hiring of Griffith and subsequent announcement could not have come at a better time. Griffith will serve as another face for the school and ambassador for the Louisville brand.
I played against Darrell Griffin in high school with the Union co. BRAVES when they also had Westley Cox. Former Uchs and ky star Larry Johnson. Congratulations Darrell G.
Great news for Louisville cards go Darrell
Good, they still need to have a Wes Unseld day . The team wear his number for the rest of the season.
Congratulations buddy
I think Darrell griffith should have a summer basketball camp at his building in Louisville kentucky. For the kids to keep them off the street. I have 4 grand sons.