Getty Image
Rick Pitino was once considered a villain in Kentucky after trading his Wildcat blue for Louisville red. The head coach has made amends, in a way, with NIL support to his former employer.
But while that’s excited Kentucky fans about the future of its athletics programs, it’s further strained his relationship with the Cardinals. That’s what comes with being on both sides of a heated rivalry!
While at the helm in Lexington, Pitino shined. Over eight seasons with the school, he led the Wildcats to six NCAA Tournaments, three Final Fours, and a national championship.
Then, he bailed for the NBA.
That decision came at a time when Kentucky was on top of the sports world. In his last two seasons, the ‘Cats went 69-7 to cement their status as one of college basketball’s elites.
Little did they know that he’d soon lead another team in the Bluegrass State to similar heights.
After a failed professional stint, Rick Pitino returned to the college ranks, accepting a job with rival Louisville. There, he’d win another title while matching the three Final Four trips he’d seen at his last stop. Big Blue Nation wasn’t happy!
Over his 16 seasons at Louisville, the Wildcats went through three head coaches, attempting to rediscover the successes seen in the late 1990s.
They’d eventually find it with John Calipari, but not even national titles could remove the stain of Pitino’s two-faced move to the Dark Side.
Rick Pitino’s NIL money might do the trick, though!
The now-St. John’s head coach appeared on Kentucky Sport Radio on Thursday to talk a bit about his time with the Wildcats. He dropped a bomb on listeners during that interview.
“Kentucky fans were not happy with me when I went to Louisville… I get it now,” he said, before revealing that he’s “cut a check” to Mark Stoops’ football program for NIL use.
Those in Louisville were enraged.
“Go ahead and throw the ‘Ls Down’ while you’re at it.”
“Could a human being be more fake?”
College basketball reporter Jeff Lightsey took it a step further in his reaction.
Quick thoughts on Rick Pitino’s KSR comments and what #Louisville fans need to realize pic.twitter.com/UZwoe5kWMR
— Jeff Lightsy Jr. (@jlightsy7) June 27, 2024
“That’s disgusting. Is it time for us Cards fans to finally move on from Rick Pitino?” he asked. “It’s time… It’s time to finally reconcile. He does not love you the way that you love him.
“It’s time to acknowledge that all the mess that Louisville went through, including their banner in 2013 being taken away, happened under Rick Pitino’s watch… Rick has told you he does not care about you anymore – and maybe he never did – but it is time to move on.”
Harsh words but understandable given the ferocity of the rivalry, particularly on the hardwood.
As most remember, Pitino’s time in Louisville ended in controversy after he was fired amid scandal. He then sued the university for breach of contract, seeking the remaining $38.7M of his deal.
A settlement was reached, allowing both sides to walk away, and it doesn’t appear Pitino is going back!
It’s not the first time he’s voiced support of the Wildcats. He’s on record saying that he plans to fork over cash to Mark Pope’s basketball squad, too.
“I would definitely cut a check if Mark (Pope) needs me for anything, no matter what.”
-Rick Pitino
He’s clearly chosen his side in the rivalry, and he’s doing his best to ensure Kentucky’s dominance in the NIL era! It may be time for the Cards to move on.