‘I’m Very Sad’: Ex-UK Star Kenny Walker Opens Up About Why He Hated Rick Pitino for Making Controversial Decision
In a candid and emotional interview, former Kentucky Wildcats basketball legend Kenny Walker revealed the long-buried feelings of resentment he harbored toward Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino. The surprising revelation has reignited discussions about one of the most pivotal—and contentious—eras in University of Kentucky basketball history.
Walker, affectionately known as “Sky Walker” for his high-flying dunks and iconic play in the 1980s, sat down with local media to discuss his storied career, life after basketball, and his complicated relationship with Pitino. In doing so, he shed light on the decision that drove a wedge between the two and left him feeling betrayed.
The Fallout from Pitino’s Early UK Years
Walker, who graduated from UK in 1986 after earning SEC Player of the Year honors and cementing himself as one of the program’s all-time greats, said he was initially thrilled when Pitino was hired to rebuild the Wildcats following a scandal-ridden period. But his excitement quickly turned sour when Pitino made a move that Walker describes as “a slap in the face to all of us who bled blue.”
“He came in with this attitude like everything before him didn’t matter,” Walker said. “He wanted to wipe the slate clean, but in doing that, he alienated the players who laid the foundation for the program. It felt like he was erasing us.”
According to Walker, the tipping point came when Pitino decided to remove the retired jersey banners of former UK greats—including Walker’s—from Rupp Arena. Pitino reportedly argued that the program needed a fresh start and wanted to reintroduce the concept of jersey retirements under his leadership.
“I’ll never forget the day I walked into Rupp and saw the banners gone,” Walker said, his voice breaking. “It was like someone took my legacy and threw it in the trash. I was heartbroken.”
Why the Decision Cut Deep
Walker explained that the banners represented more than personal achievement; they symbolized an era of Kentucky basketball that brought pride to the fanbase during challenging times.
“When you play for Kentucky, you’re part of something bigger than yourself. Those banners weren’t just about me or the other guys—they were about the fans, the community, and everything we accomplished together,” he said.
The decision to remove them, Walker claims, sent a message that his contributions—and those of his teammates—were not valued under the new regime.
“It felt like he wanted to build his empire on the ashes of what came before, and that hurt deeply,” Walker said.
Attempts at Reconciliation
Walker admitted that his bitterness toward Pitino lingered for years, even as Pitino went on to achieve tremendous success at UK, including winning the 1996 NCAA Championship.
“I couldn’t even watch those games without feeling conflicted,” Walker said. “I wanted the Wildcats to succeed, but every time I saw him on the sideline, it brought back those feelings of anger and sadness.”
In recent years, Pitino reportedly attempted to make amends by publicly praising Walker and other former UK greats, but Walker says it wasn’t enough.
“A few kind words don’t erase what happened,” he said. “He never really acknowledged how much he hurt us.”
Looking Back with Mixed Emotions
Despite the lingering resentment, Walker says he has worked hard to move past the incident and focus on the positive aspects of his time at Kentucky.
“UK will always be my home, no matter what happened with Pitino,” he said. “The fans, my teammates, the memories we created—that’s what I hold on to.”
As for his feelings toward Pitino today, Walker says he has reached a place of reluctant acceptance.
“Do I still hate what he did? Absolutely,” Walker said. “But I’m older now, and I’ve learned that holding onto hate only hurts yourself. I don’t agree with his decisions, but I’ve let go of the anger. I’m just sad it ever happened.”
Reaction from Fans and the Basketball Community
The interview has sparked intense discussion among Kentucky fans, many of whom share Walker’s lingering frustration over Pitino’s controversial decisions during his tenure.
“Rick Pitino did a lot for UK, but Kenny Walker is a legend,” one fan posted on Twitter. “Those banners never should’ve been taken down.”
Others have defended Pitino, arguing that his methods—though controversial—were necessary to rebuild the program after its darkest chapter.
Regardless of where fans stand, Walker’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional ties players and fans have to the legacy of Kentucky basketball.
For Kenny Walker, the pain of the past lingers, but his love for the Wildcats remains unshaken. “At the end of
the day,” he said, “I’ll always be Big Blue.
