| | WALTHAM, Mass. -- This isn't what Rick Pitino expected when
he became coach of the Boston Celtics.
They had losing records in his first two seasons and, with one
more loss, will insure a losing mark in his third. He recently
criticized fans for not backing the team.
And on Tuesday he faced a problem that he called "the lowest
point in my life" after some of his players argued with each other
during a 122-87 loss at Orlando.
No wonder Pitino is contemplating an end to his tenure with the Celtics even though he has three years left as coach and president and four after that as president in his 10-year contract.
"Come next year, if this team doesn't reach its potential,
doesn't make the playoffs, I'd be honest with you," Pitino said
Wednesday. "At that point, I would definitely make a move on
myself.
"All I would be doing if I stayed at that point is trying to
take Paul Gaston's money. He's a great owner. If I don't see a
major difference in our ballclub and we're still struggling, I
think enough's enough. ... What I will do is just go on and try my
next job and wish everybody well."
He wouldn't even rule out leaving after this season, although he
indicated that was unlikely.
It's perhaps more likely, though, now that the Celtics have lost five
straight games to fall to 30-41 after winning seven of eight to
climb back into the playoff hunt.
Before coming to Boston, Pitino had two losing seasons in 18 as
coach at Boston University, Providence College, Kentucky and the
New York Knicks. His Kentucky teams went to the Final Four three
times in his eight years and won the national championship in 1996.
Antoine Walker was part of that team. He also was involved in
Tuesday's bickering that, Pitino said immediately after the game,
would lead to "major suspensions."
But he changed his mind after a two-hour team meeting on the
plane returning the team from Orlando. He suspended no one, but
said fines are possible.
Pitino said the turmoil was a result of frustration from some close
losses. He described the problem as "yelling at each other,
finger-pointing, blaming" and said it was isolated on a team that
has had good chemistry.
"I'm very proud of the meeting we had," Pitino said. "I
listened to them. They understand that this is never to happen
again. It's never to be tolerated again.
"After listening to them, I did not feel that suspensions were
in order. If that makes me soft or losing credibility, then so be
it, but that's the way I feel."
The problem apparently reached a key point when Walker, Danny
Fortson and Doug Overton were removed from the game with 1:54 left
in the third period and Orlando leading by 22. Players reportedly
shouted at each other.
"We didn't treat each other with dignity and respect," Pitino
said, but "I'm not going to suspend anyone because I wouldn't be
teaching anybody anything."
Walker wasn't eager to discuss it Wednesday. "That's irrelevant," he said. "That's nothing. I'm not
talking about that. We had a great practice. Everything was
spirited. Everybody came in ready to work."
But Pitino's unusually subdued manner Wednesday might have
covered up his real emotions.
"I am very upset inside, but I'll keep it inside," he said.
"I'll forgive it. I'll forget it. I'll hold no grudges. But I
believe in respect and dignity and loyalty."
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AUDIO/VIDEO
 Rick Pitino talks about his future with the Celtics.
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