Rick Pitino Thanks NYPD Before March Madness Game

Legendary basketball coach Rick Pitino took a moment to thank New York City's police officers just hours before one of the biggest games of the season.

The St. John's head coach recorded a video message Friday morning as part of the "Thank You, NYPD" campaign, expressing gratitude for officers who keep the city safe. That evening, he led his fifth-seeded Red Storm team into their first-round NCAA Tournament matchup in San Diego.

"I want to give a sincere thanks to the NYPD officers who do such an incredible job to keep our city safe," Pitino said in the video posted to Madison Square Garden's Instagram account.

The campaign encourages New Yorkers to upload videos thanking the police department for their service. Madison Square Garden, where St. John's plays most home games, launched the initiative earlier this week.

The Ripple Effect

The appreciation campaign goes beyond social media posts. On March 28, Madison Square Garden will host a private concert for uniformed officers, civilian staff members, and their families.

The star-studded lineup includes Cyndi Lauper, John Fogerty, rapper Fat Joe, and comedians Chris Distefano and Sam Morril. MSG Entertainment is donating the venue and covering all costs for the event.

MSG Entertainment CEO Jim Dolan said the campaign represents how most New Yorkers actually feel about their police force. "Cries of 'defund the police' and other negative statements do not reflect the true feelings of New Yorkers," he explained in a statement.

He emphasized that the concert aims to counter the loudest voices with something more representative. "This concert is designed to let our police know that we New Yorkers need, respect and appreciate their effort and service," Dolan said.

The campaign arrives at a meaningful time for St. John's basketball. The team has strong ties to Madison Square Garden and the broader New York community, making Pitino's participation especially fitting.

New Yorkers can still submit their own thank you videos as part of the ongoing campaign, adding their voices to the chorus of appreciation for the city's officers.