Pitino to Return for Kenny Klein Louisville Tribute

Rick Pitino will return to Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center on Jan. 2, his first visit since the university fired him before the 2017–18 season, for a ceremony honoring longtime Cardinals sports information director Kenny Klein, who died at 66. Louisville will raise a banner in Klein’s memory before its game against Stanford. Pitino said he has forgiven the university and wants to attend with Klein’s wife, Donna; former Louisville player and St. John’s assistant Peyton Siva is also expected to be there. St. John’s plays Butler the following day, making Pitino’s trip possible, and will honor Klein this season with an empty seat beside Pitino at the scorer’s table and “K.K.” bands on players’ jerseys.