A UK legend will reportedly be back in the Bluegrass State to catch some college football action this weekend.
On Monday, Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones hinted that coach Rick Pitino could be on-hand for the Wildcats‘ homecoming game vs. Vanderbilt. And now the coach appears to have confirmed it himself.
“Yes, I will be flying in for the UK/Vandy game on Sat,” Pitino posted to X. “I’ll be on the sidelines helping Coach Stoops [winky face emoji].”
Pitino arrival comes a few months after revealing that he previously donated to Kentucky’s football program as a booster.
Yes, I will be flying in for the UK/Vandy game on Sat. I’ll be on the sidelines helping Coach Stoops 😉
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) October 8, 2024
“Well, I actually cut a check to the football program, because I’m a casual friend of Mark Stoops and Eddie Gran and I cut a check to the football program,” the St. John’s head coach told Barstool Sports back in June. “But I would definitely cut a check if Mark [Pope] needs me for anything, no matter what — except for my firstborn Michael — he could have it.”
“I absolutely love Mark [Pope], and would do anything for his program,” the 72-year-old continued. “I always called the University of Kentucky Camelot for me. I never had a bad year, never had a bad day. They treated me like a king. They treated me with great respect. Obviously, I didn’t get treated great when I was at Louisville, but sitting back on it and examining it today, I totally understand why.”
“So I am very, very fond of the University of Kentucky,” Pitino concluded. “Rooting for football. I sent the baseball coach a text, wishing him good luck. So I’m very bullish on Mark and the football program hope they do great.”
Pitino’s relationship with Kentucky appears to have come full-circle from program icon, to hated rival and now revered champion once again.
It should be something to see the three-time SEC Coach of the Year at Kroger Field on Saturday night.
Related: Rick Pitino Has Confirmed Home-And-Home Series With Kentucky