Lying makes a problem part of the future; truth makes a problem part of the past.

Pitino’s aphorism contrasts the time-effects of deception versus candor. A lie may offer short-term relief, but it postpones reckoning: it creates future exposure, additional cover-ups, and a lingering vulnerability that can resurface at the worst moment. Telling the truth, by contrast, forces immediate confrontation with consequences—often painful—but it resolves uncertainty and allows repair, learning, and forward movement. The line reflects a coach’s emphasis on accountability and discipline: problems handled honestly become part of a completed record, while dishonesty keeps them “alive,” compounding risk and eroding trust within a team or organization.