Rick Pitino Ends St. John’s Postgame Handshake Tradition

The college basketball coach cites repeated altercations as the reason for adopting an NBA-style approach to postgame interactions.

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.