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

Related Topics: Rick Pitino

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

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.