Rick Pitino has found himself at the center of another bizarre incident in a coaching career already filled with its fair share of strange stories. The latest chapter involves a brazen robbery that reportedly took place in his office at St. John’s University, where Pitino currently serves as the head coach of the Red Storm.
Pitino, a legendary figure in college basketball, could have easily retired after his tumultuous departure from Louisville in 2017. His time there ended abruptly amid a high-profile recruiting scandal that rocked the NCAA and led to the school parting ways with him after 16 successful seasons. However, Pitino’s love for the game refused to let him walk away. Instead, he embarked on a coaching journey that took him to Europe, where he led Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, before returning to the U.S. to rejuvenate his career at Iona College.
During his tenure at Iona, Pitino reminded the basketball world of his coaching prowess, posting an impressive 64–22 record with the Gaels. His success at Iona eventually led to his return to the Big East in 2023, when he was chosen to replace Mike Anderson as the head coach at St. John’s.
Pitino’s first season with the Red Storm was marked by a solid 20-13 record. Despite a late-season push that put them on the NCAA Tournament bubble, St. John’s ultimately missed out on March Madness and opted to decline an invitation to the NIT. The offseason, by all accounts, was relatively quiet for Pitino and his team—that is, until a surprising robbery brought unexpected drama to Carnesecca Arena.
According to reports from The New York Post, the NYPD is currently investigating the theft, which saw two suspects make off with a haul of items valued at $375 from Pitino’s office. Among the stolen goods were an autographed basketball, a miniature bullhorn, several bottles of alcohol, and, most curiously, a ceremonial sword. The thieves reportedly fled the scene on a moped after the heist.
The incident has added an unexpected twist to what had been a routine offseason for Pitino and the St. John’s program. While the items stolen may not hold significant monetary value, the theft has nonetheless made headlines and added to the lore surrounding Pitino’s storied career.
As Pitino prepares for his second season at the helm of St. John’s, he will undoubtedly be focused on building on the progress his team made last year. The Red Storm are set to open their season on November 4th, hosting Fordham at Carnesecca Arena—the very place where the theft occurred.
Despite this unusual and unsettling event, Pitino remains a resilient figure in college basketball. His journey has been marked by highs and lows, but through it all, he has maintained a deep commitment to the sport.
As St. John’s looks to improve under his guidance, fans can only hope that the upcoming season will be remembered more for the team’s success on the court than for the strange and unexpected drama that has unfolded off of it.
