In an interesting turn of events, Rick Pitino is urging Kentucky Wildcats fans at Rupp Arena on Saturday to give a standing ovation to John Calipari when he makes his return to Lexington as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Pitino released a video on Twitter/X, where he spoke about Calipari’s return and encouraged the fans to applaud Calipari when he makes his way to the floor at Rupp Arena.

Pitino said the toughest day of his coaching career was when he came back to Rupp Arena for the first time after taking the Louisville Cardinals job.

“The toughest day of my coaching career at Louisville was when I had to walk into Rupp Arena,” Pitino says in the video. “I tried not to show it, but when I went home, the reception…it tore me up in part because I love that place so much.”

As the boo or cheer debate continues to dominate conversations with the Kentucky-Arkansas showdown looming, it’s interesting to see Pitino get involved. Pitino notes in the video that he isn’t best friends with John Calipari but has respect for him.

I’m not sure Rick Pitino’s opinion on the boo or cheer question will hold a ton of weight among the Big Blue Nation. It seems most people have their minds made up on how they would react, but it is interesting to hear his perspective as someone who had one of the loudest boo reactions in Rupp Arena.

What do you think? Does Pitino’s video change your stance at all?