St. John's HC Rick Pitino apologizes for tirade about team

St. John's head coach Rick Pitino recently eviscerated his team following a disastrous loss. On Wednesday, the Red Storm snapped a three-game losing streak against Georgetown, and he changed his tune.

"These guys have never failed me," Pitino said, via The Athletic's Kyle Tucker. "I have failed them with the fundamentals." 

This past Sunday, St. John's blew a 19-point lead in a 68-62 loss to Seton Hall. The 71-year-old erupted after the collapse, saying, "This is the most unenjoyable experience of my lifetime." He also questioned his players' toughness and bashed the program's recruiting.

However, he made amends with his team. 

"I said to my staff, 'Any of the guys upset?' They said, 'A couple of feelings are hurt,'" Pitino said, via The New York Post. "I immediately went [to talk to] the team, and told them I absolutely love you guys, I would never, ever want to embarrass you. But it's my bad; I'm at fault."

Apparently, the players accepted his apology. The Red Storm (15-12) played much better in their 90-85 win over the Hoyas (8-18), shooting 57.6 percent from the field. 

"We know how much he loves us and cares about us and how much he cares about winning," St. John's guard Jordan Dingle said. "So I don't think guys really took it too much to heart."

St. John's recent slide has clearly frustrated Pitino. It's lost eight of its last 11 games, falling to ninth in the Big East. The Red Storm will probably miss the NCAA Tournament. ESPN's Joe Lunardi didn't include them in his latest bracket. 

Pitino has led three different programs (Louisville, Kentucky and Providence) to the Final Four, but he might realize this turnaround is more difficult than he anticipated. St. John's has made three March Madness trips since 2010.