I don't think so, Moon. Pitino compounded a situation that was getting out of control. I saw him do the same thing in Milwaukee late in the game and it didn't look good and it wasn't helpful. It was a tantrum. (Milwaukee was worse than NY. He was basically airborne when he went after the ref.)
He's got a chance to do something really special this year and beyond, if he can manage himself and his team.
Well kicking away a potential top 10 win to appease a tiny irrational % of his fan base won't help. It's fine to be disappointed in Mason but the over-reaction here is so over the top.