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