WASHINGTON — Mike Lepore, the billionaire St. John’s University alumnus who has re-engaged in support of his former school over the past year, has reacted like everyone else to coverage of Rick Pitino’s comments. was chasing.
And he chose Wednesday afternoon as a time to distract himself from all the negativity that was blanketing his fanbase. Break your own news about X He said he plans to donate seven figures towards Johnny’s name, image and likeness rights (NIL) contract for next season.
“I’m going to do whatever it takes,” Lepore told the Post in a phone interview Wednesday night. “I don’t think there’s an alumnus from any other school in the Big East who will contribute more to his alma mater than me. If there is one, I’d love to meet him. I just want everyone to know that.”
Support Johnny’s on the NIL front. MPNC
After Sunday’s eighth loss in 10 games to St. John’s Seton Hall, a frustrated Pitino called this season “the least enjoyable experience of my life.” He mentioned the physical shortcomings of several players. The incident made national news, and Pitino apologized for it after Wednesday’s 90-85 win over Georgetown.
But Lepore found it refreshing.
It reminded me of a 2019 WFAN interview in which he criticized the school for the coaching search that led to the hiring of Mike Anderson.
“Rick’s rant the other day was probably no different than my rant from five years ago,” said the Vitamin Water co-founder, business mogul and Queens native. “I loved it. How amazing is it that St. John’s has a coach who wants to win so much?”
“He’s a Hall of Fame coach. He knows how to motivate. He knows what he’s doing.”
Coach Lepore fully supported the decision to invite Pitino.
At that point, he started getting involved again.
The two have known each other for over 15 years through a shared love of horse racing.
He has donated to this year’s team, although not as much as he is planning for next season, and as St. Petersburg-St. I have visited campus many times to meet with him. John and Lepore continue with the restoration.
“Father Shanley and Father Bill Janecek; [athletic director] “Mike Cragg did a great job hiring people like Rick, and Rick, at 71 years old, really stepped up to the challenge,” Lepore said. “And you know what? I’m just ready for most people to know that I’m on board, that I’m all in.
“We all wanted Rick, we all wanted this. We need to fill the Garden, we need to go to the game, we need to watch the games. This fan base is so excited. was [about the hire]. I got what I wanted. Everyone can make a big difference. It felt like the perfect time to rally the troops. ”
