Thieves steal memorabilia, wine from St. John's coach Rick Pitino's office: Police
Aug. 22, 2024, 7:18 p.m.
Read time estimation: 4 minutes.
4
Two thieves made off with mementos and valuable wine from the office of Rick Pitino, head coach of St. John's University men's basketball team, on the New York City campus, according to law enforcement.
During a break-in on Tuesday evening in Queens, items including a basketball, a megaphone, and wine were stolen, according to police reports.
The suspects fled on a moped, the NYPD said.
The suspects, who have not yet been identified, remain at large. Surveillance footage from a university camera, released by police, captured two individuals. One appeared to be holding a megaphone, and the other was seen carrying a small sword.
Pitino stated on social media that the thieves made off with a vintage bottle of wine, which is valued at tens of thousands of dollars on some websites specializing in collectible wines.
"I'm incredibly upset! Taking my memorabilia is one thing, but the 1985 6L Petrus Pomerol has me furious!!!" he said on X .
The incident took place at around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, according to St. John's spokesperson Brian Browne.
"Items were taken from an office in the Athletics Department," Browne stated. "The University shared security footage with the NYPD and is helping with the ongoing investigation."
Pitino has led the Big East team since 2023. He became a household name as coach at the University of Kentucky, winning a national championship in 1996.
He had brief stints with the NBA's Boston Celtics and New York Knicks before returning to the collegiate level at the University of Louisville. He coached the Cardinals from 2001 to 2017 and secured the national title in 2013, although it was later revoked due to NCAA violations.
He was also enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.