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Reactions: Bob Knight's firing Users split down the line on whether Indiana was justified
Indiana University fired basketball coach Bob Knight on Sunday. CNNSI.com asked its users for their opinion of the decision. Judging from the responses, there is a clear division among sports fans. Many think Knight's removal was overdue, others believe it was unjustified and some simply blame the university for the way it handled the situation. A sample of the responses we received follows: Although the full details of the most recent incident are not clear, Knight's past behavior indicates a losing record on the court of human relations. If, in the past, someone in authority or perhaps an angry father had slapped this self-absorbed buffoon, he might have gotten the idea that giving disrespect is the surest, fastest way to receiving it in spades.
Some years ago, in an interview with Connie Chung, Knight made the remark, "If a woman is going to be raped, why not lie back and enjoy it."
Well, Knight made his bed throughout the years, without being forced. Now he should "walk the walk" and "lie back and enjoy it!"
Aside from perhaps the WWF, such violent behavior is not tolerated. Why should Knight be an exception? He's a big boy - he knows how he needs to behave. His choice was clear: either put on a pair of tights and a cape, or enroll in Anger management classes. He has no one to blame but himself.
They should have fired him a long time ago. He has been a constant problem for a long time, not to mention that he has been consistently under performing since the early 90s.
Bobby Knight's attitude and emotional instability reminds me of a child having a temper tantrum who can not control it. It sets a bad standard for students. He wants the discipline from his players and students, yet cannot himself display any sort of discipline.
I have never been a fan of Indiana basketball, and I've never really been a fan of Bob Knight's. However, I respect his take-no-crap-from-anybody style, as should any athlete or anybody associated with Indiana University. I personally feel as though he has given a tremendous amount to the University, and they are in turn slapping him in the face!
Had Indiana University taken action when Coach Knight first exhibited "inappropriate behavior," at least the coach would have had some measure by which to guide his future behavior. I think it is disgraceful that Indiana University officials waited so long to act. By doing so, the inevitable happened, and the reputation of a wonderful academic institution has been tarnished
I believe Knight needed to be fired, but not like this. When all the evidence was against him earlier this year, he should have been let go. Instead, the university keeps him there under a "Zero Tolerance" policy.
To me, the president of the university was afraid and was just as much a part of the problem as Knight. If Knight needed to go then so does the President.
The president knew what was going on but decided to play dumb until all the proof came out. I believe Knight will bounce back and get another job.
Bobby Knight should have been fired years ago. He may be a coaching genius, but he has repeatedly abused college kids under his care. Why are we timid about labeling his actions for what they are: PHYSICAL ABUSE and ASSAULT & BATTERY?
Enough of sports figures getting away with unacceptable behavior simply because they are talented at a game. Right is right, and wrong is wrong no matter who you are.
I saw coach Knight at a coach's clinic at a Catholic Private school in Seattle almost 20 years ago. I was taken aback by his language and the way he treated the 12th-graders helping out in the sessions. I suppose that I would not have been so shocked had it not been a catholic setting. Should he have been fired? I do not know, but it seems that things he has done in the past were far worse than this incident.
I find it ironic for Indiana to choose the "moral high ground" after so many years of turning the other cheek. Although his methods may be outdated, people have known for years what to expect from Knight. No one complained when he was winning National Championships! Ultimately, Mr. Knight is simply a scapegoat. The real villains are Indiana's athletic department (for accepting this for so many years) and sports (both college and professional). Society is the loser over all, breeding a mentality of aggression and apathy that is brought out when money is put ahead of values. Until we remember that, regardless of the sport, it's still just a game and we place more emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork and respect for others, we can expect to have many more incidents involving players, coaches and fans.
While I cannot condone all of Bob Knight's actions over the years, I do not feel that his dismissal was necessary. While it is not in question that he is a stern disciplinarian, a lot of people feel that he oversteps his bounds. In my opinion, his structured discipline is what kids need today. Today's kids are a lot softer and more coddled than they used to be and not nearly as respectful to adults and/or people in authority. Bob Knight has not changed his style of coaching or his way of discipline over the last 30 years. You never heard anyone complaining about Bob Knight's discipline 20 years ago . . . that should tell you the direction the kids of today are going. I can say that if I had a son that would be playing D-I basketball, I would not hesitate to send him to Indiana University to play for Bob Knight.
It's always the same. The pattern of tolerance of Coach Knight's behavior over the years set the stage where a seemingly benign event resulted in a knee-jerk reaction. On first look, this appears as an injustice and may well be. Put in the context of historical behavior, though, it's the expected outcome. The "zero-tolerance" (line in the sand) was put in place for the expressed purpose of this eventuality, a near impossible task for Coach Knight to comply. They (administration) knew he wouldn't make it and it gives them an easy way out.
How do we even know for sure if this kid is telling the truth? Have the police even finished their report yet? Plus, the kid should have had more respect for the man anyway. I go to Northern Michigan University and there are no Bobby Knights coaching there. When I see a coach on campus I have the respect to say, "Hi, coach." I hope Coach Knight goes somewhere and wins a National Championship!
The firing of Bob Knight was both appropriate and timely. I agree with Brand that Knight deserved a last chance back in May, but he has proven that he is not a man of his word. I find his version of the story and that of his assistant to be unreliable. After all, they both claimed he never choked Rex Reed, until a video proved they were liars. Bob Knight is a greedy, cowardly bully. He would not resign to protect the image of the university, which made his name well known. Instead, he chose to be fired so he could milk them out of two more years' salary. Bob Knight thinks he is above the rules. I pray that my children never believe that winning a game can excuse any bad behavior.
It's too bad President Brand and the Indiana University trustees lack something Bob Knight seems to have an abundance of: integrity and the courage to stand behind one's convictions (no matter how unpopular or "out of style" they are).
It's obvious the administration was stung by the criticism they received last May for not sacking Knight then and simply caved to the pressure. So instead of standing up and taking the heat, they cowardly latched on to the first one or two "non-issues" they could find in order to justify reversing their position.
Bob Knight is a flawed man, most great men are. But when it comes to duplicity, the Indiana administration has him beat hands down.
As a retired military man, and an admirer of Coaches Knight and Woody Hayes, I believe there is not enough discipline in the United States today. There are no decisions or actions made that please everyone. Coach Knight's record of students graduating is a testament of his desire to impart values that are sorely lacking in today's society. As a born and bred Buckeye, I support coach Knight, and feel it was wrong to fire him.
I totally agree with Indiana University's decision to fire Mr. Knight. I think it was a long time coming. In a time where many pay lip service to creating good examples for the youth of America, this action goes to reinforce that ideal. Winning should not come at any cost. I can now cheer for Indiana basketball.
You bet the right decision was made. Bob Knight belongs in a cage. Period, the end. If I played for him, or my son did, I would kick his butt all over Indiana and feel good about it afterward. Actually, that was exactly what Bob Knight needs: his butt kicked.
I'd match the character of men who have played under Bob Knight against that of players developed under any other coach. He has been a true teacher and leader. The number of individuals who have benefited from his "style" of leadership must surely far exceed those who have not. I doubt that ANYONE who has ever played under him has been significantly harmed either physically or mentally.
Knight has always been a bully and thug posing as a shaper of character. Finally, my alma mater has the courage to stand up to that egotistical monster. Indiana Administration, where have you been for so long?
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