Rick Pitino Says He 'Was Not Ripping Anybody' with St. John's Criticism

After some fiery comments following St. John's eighth loss in 10 games on Sunday, head coach Rick Pitino explained that he wasn't "ripping" anybody with his thoughts.

Speaking with Newsday (h/t ESPN) on Monday, Pitino stood by his comments, explaining that he intended to get a message across to his team after yet another loss.

"I was pointing out exactly—in a monotone voice—why we lost," he said. "I am not always calm and certainly not when I rip someone ... I was not ripping anybody.

"I sometimes want my players to hear my words and read my words. That was my intention [Sunday]."

In his postgame press conference after the loss to Seton Hall on Sunday, Pitino called out his team's athleticism and toughness. The Red Storm blew a 19-point lead, sparking the comments.

"If I said I was disappointed, that would be the understatement of the year," he said Sunday. "Our lateral quickness and our toughness is just something I've never witnessed in all my years of coaching.

"We are so nonathletic that we can't guard anybody without fouling. ... And really it's not about losing. Even winning, when I watch the film, I see unathletic plays, I see people that don't handle the ball, that are just interested in taking quick shots. It's been a disappointing year."

Pitino's first season with St. John's has not gone the way he had hoped. The Red Storm are 14-12 and 6-9 in Big East play, sitting above just 8-17 (1-13 Big East) Georgetown and 3-22 (0-14 Big East) DePaul in the conference.

Pitino wanted to call out his team and spark something with his comments Sunday, and now St. John's will look to respond. The Red Storm will take on Georgetown on Wednesday with the chance to get back in the win column.