St. John’s Coach Suspended for Controversial Comments on Kim English
March 30, 2025 – New York, NY – St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino has been suspended for one game following inflammatory remarks directed at Providence coach Kim English. The suspension, handed down by the Big East Conference, comes in response to comments Pitino made in the wake of St. John’s latest matchup with Providence, seemingly in retaliation for English’s postgame remarks in December 2024.
According to multiple sources, Pitino made an unprintable comment about English during a postgame press conference following St. John’s 78-72 victory over the Friars on March 28. While the exact language was not disclosed, league officials deemed the comments “unbecoming of a Big East head coach” and “violating the conference’s code of conduct.”
The tension between Pitino and English has been simmering since December 2024, when English suggested that St. John’s strengths were limited to offensive rebounding and forcing turnovers. The comment reportedly fueled St. John’s players in their rematch against Providence, with Pitino making a veiled reference to English’s words in his postgame remarks before delivering the remark that led to his suspension.
“There’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed, and unfortunately, Coach Pitino crossed it,” said a Big East spokesperson in an official statement. “While we respect the competitive nature of the conference, personal attacks have no place in our league.”
Pitino issued a brief apology following the suspension, stating, “I let the emotions of the game get the best of me, and I regret my choice of words. I have great respect for Coach English and the Providence program.”
English, for his part, declined to comment in detail but noted that he remains focused on preparing his team for the upcoming Big East tournament.
Assistant coach Steve Masiello will take over head coaching duties for St. John’s in Pitino’s absence. The Red Storm are currently battling for NCAA tournament positioning, making the suspension an untimely setback for the program.
The rivalry between St. John’s and Providence has taken on new intensity under the leadership of English and Pitino, and it remains to be seen how this latest controversy will impact future matchups between the two schools.
