Rick Pitino confirms he's donated to Kentucky football's NIL initiative, remains friends with UK coaches
Rick Pitino has seemingly gotten back in some of the good graces around the state of Kentucky. That took another step today with something that he shared that he has done for UK Athletics.
Pitino made a surprise appearance during Pardon My Take’s takeover of Kentucky Sports Radio on Thursday. During that interview, he revealed that he has donated to the initiatives involving Kentucky Football. He also spoke about his love for the new basketball coach as well as a recent communication he had with their baseball coach too.
“Well, I actually cut a check to the football program because I’m a casual friend of Mark (Stoops) and Eddie Gran. I cut a check to the football program,” Pitino shared. “I would definitely cut a check if Mark (Pope) needs me for anything no matter what it is. Except for my first-born, Michael? He can have it.”
“I absolutely love Mark (Pope) and would do anything for his program,” continued Pitino. “Rooting for football, I sent the baseball coach a text wishing him good luck. I’m very bullish on Mark (Stoops) and the football program. Hope they do great.”
In his response, Pitino also expressed his continued love for the Wildcats and the entire school in Lexington.
“I always called the University of Kentucky as Camelot for me. I never had a bad year, never had a bad day. They treated me like a king. They treated me with great respect,” said Pitino. “Obviously, I didn’t get treated great when I was at Louisville but, sitting back on it and examining it today, I totally understand why.”
“I am very, very fond of the University of Kentucky,” stated Pitino.
This comes after Pitino already said this offseason that he would contribute to similar efforts following the hiring of Mark Pope, one of his former players, as the next head coach of Kentucky Basketball.
Pitino was the head coach at Kentucky for eight seasons through the 90s. In that time, he posted a record of 219-50 (.814) with nine conference titles and six appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In those six berths, the Wildcats made three Final Fours and won one national title in 1996.
However, Pitino would leave to return to the NBA as head coach of the Boston Celtics. That only ended the relationship but it then took a turn at the start of the century when he came back to college basketball at their in-state arch rival with Louisville, which is where he’d remain through 2017.
Pitino and Kentucky have had their highs and lows together through the years. It looks like it truly is leaning towards a positive one again, though, especially with these connections and donations while still being an active college coach elsewhere.