Overview

• Rick Pitino announced the immediate end of postgame handshakes for St. John’s men’s basketball team, citing concerns over escalating tensions during the tradition.
• The decision follows a recent altercation during the handshake line after a game against Bryant, prompting Pitino to prioritize avoiding future conflicts.
• Pitino shared his reasoning on social media, stating his respect for opponents but emphasizing the need for a more controlled postgame environment.
• The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing the coach for abandoning a sportsmanship tradition while others support his pragmatic approach.
• Pitino’s son, Richard Pitino, humorously reacted to the announcement online, continuing their lighthearted public exchanges about basketball and coaching philosophies.