Pitino maintained his innocence throughout that scandal, which included allegations that Adidas representatives funneled $100,000 to the family of a Louisville recruit. In November of 2022, Pitino was exonerated by the Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP).

Rick Pitino has been calling for a the Big East to become a mega-conference for some time. And in his latest appearance Monday on The Pat McAfee Show, the Naismith Hall of Fame St. John’s coach reiterated that he’d like to see the Big East merge with the ACC.

Rick Pitino joins "The Pat McAfee Show" to discuss the SEC's recent success and what moves he'd like the Big East to make.

The Rick Pitino effect at St. John’s is REAL. And for the first time since 2000, the Johnnies are Big East Tournament Champions. Almost two years to the day since he held his introductory press conference at Madison Square Garden as the 22nd head coach in St.