Rick Pitino Seeks Louisville Home-and-Home Series, Expresses No Bitterness Over Departure
Rick Pitino, the famed coach, left a rough past at Louisville in 2017. He now leads St. John’s University. He plans a home-and-home series with the Louisville Cardinals. He once led those very Cardinals to win big.
At the Final Four, Pitino received the Naismith Coach of the Year award. He spoke about returning to old ties with Louisville. He said he feels no bitterness. His exit came during an FBI probe into college basketball corruption.
"I forgive Louisville for the breakup," Pitino said. "If they want to play us, they must work it out. I have been back in Louisville before. I talked to people there, and I do not feel bitter now."
Pitino left Louisville amid serious claims. Some said his recruitment of Brian Bowen was troubled. Others claimed Adidas paid $100,000 to Bowen’s family. Though Pitino was cleared, the claims hurt his record at Louisville.
He noted that key people linked to his exit have moved on. "There are no board members involved now," he said. "They are naming a street after Tom Jurich near the campus. All is forgiven. We move on. I still love all my Louisville players, and seeing them would be great."
Pitino led the Cardinals from 2001 to 2017. He won a national championship in 2013, although the title was later removed. He earned 416 wins. His work also brought him a slot in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
After a short break from major college basketball, Pitino returned in 2020 with the Iona Gaels. Soon, he took charge at St. John’s and turned the team around quickly. The Red Storm enjoyed one of their best seasons in decades. They reached the conference title game and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last spring.
Looking ahead at a game between St. John’s and Louisville, Pitino seems hopeful. He is excited to reconnect with both the university and his former players. Though the past had its challenges, Pitino now focuses on the future.
