By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The New York City Police Department launched an investigation regarding a robbery in the office of Rick Pitino at Carnesecca Arena, home of St. John’s.
Pitino, 71, reacted to the incident including an expensive bottle of wine among the stolen items. However, he later clarified that it was a joke.
“Really upset! Taking my memorabilia is one thing but the 1985 6L Petrus Pomerol has me livid!!!,” he wrote in his first post shared on X.
“The 1985 Petrus was a joke,” he added a couple of hours later, “I would never keep that on my desk! Saving that one in a wine cellar to open after the Johnnies go to the Final Four!”
The value of memorabilia removed was estimated at 375 dollars, relayed the New York Post.
“The University shared surveillance footage with the NYPD and is assisting in the ongoing investigation,” said SJU spokesman Brian Browne.
Two suspects appear in the video, entering the office located above the basketball court on Tuesday.
Pitino took over St. John’s at the top of the 2023-24 NCAA season. Last March, he reunited with the Hellenic Basketball Federation to serve in the field of player development for the national teams of Greece.
The member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and two-time NCAA champion has also worked in the NBA as the head coach of the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. Overseas experience includes stints with Panathinaikos and the senior national team of Greece.