Rick Pitino Says He ‘Was Not Ripping Anybody’ With St. John’s Criticism | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

After a rant following St. John’s eighth loss in 10 games on Sunday, head coach Rick Pitino explained that he wasn’t “trashing” anyone with his comments.

Speaking with Newsday (h/t ESPN) On Monday, Pitino stood by his comments and explained that he intended to deliver a message to his team after another loss.

“I was pointing out exactly, in a monotone voice, why we lost,” he said. “I’m not always calm and certainly not when I destroy someone… I wasn’t destroying anyone.

“Sometimes I want my players to listen to my words and read them. That was my intention. [Sunday]”.

In its postgame press conference After the loss to Seton Hall on Sunday, Pitino highlighted his team’s athleticism and toughness. The Red Storm blew a 19-point lead against Seton Hall, prompting the rant.

“If I said I was disappointed, it would be an understatement of the year,” he said. “Our lateral quickness and toughness is something I’ve never witnessed in all my years of coaching.

“We are so unathletic that we can’t guard anyone without committing a foul… And it’s really not about losing. Even winning, when I watch the film, I see unathletic plays, I see people who don’t handle the ball, who are just interested in taking quick shots. It’s been a disappointing year.”

Pitino’s first year with St. John’s hasn’t gone as he expected, and he expressed as much Sunday. The Red Storm is 14-12 on the season, going just 8-17 at Georgetown and 3-22 at DePaul.

Pitino wanted to get his team’s attention and provoke something with his comments on Sunday, and now St. John’s will look to respond. The Red Storm will face Georgetown on Wednesday with a chance to get back into the win column.