The Boston Celtics hired Rick Pitino in 1997 ... a visibly frustrated Pitino delivered a strong message to Boston's anxious fan base. "Larry Bird is not walking through that door, fans.

The Pitino era -- which started with a resounding victory over the dynastic 1990s Bulls! -- was best symbolized by one press conference. "Larry Bird is not walking through that door" was the ...

This did not sit well with fans. Pitino compiled a 102-146 record. He famously lashed out at fans during a March 2000 press conference, saying "Larry Bird is not walking through that door.

upon seeing Bird enter the room, referenced his memorable press conference. “You finally walked through that door!” Rick Pitino to Larry Bird just now at HOF. — Jim Ice (@Jim_ICE) September 8, 2013 A ...

John’s coach Rick Pitino didn’t mince words after ... It’s reminiscent of Pitino’s famous “Larry Bird is not walking through that door” rant when he was coach of the Boston Celtics ...

The Boston Celtics hired Rick Pitino in 1997, hoping that he would bring back the glory of the NBA's winningest franchise. Pitino led the University of Kentucky to back-to-back championship game ...