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Reactions: Bob Knight Love or hate him, everyone has an opinion on KnightLatest: Tuesday September 12, 2000 04:36 PM
Everyone has an idea about what should have happened to Indiana coach Bob Knight, and Vince and Fred are no different. The CNN/Sports Illustrated anchors called our first double timeout Monday night, each weighing in with their thoughts on the Knight firing. We asked our users to respond, and as you might have guessed, the reaction was split. Here's a sample: University of Indiana created Knight. They let him get away with so much for so long and now they have this problem. Someone should have stood up to "Knight" a long time ago. So he's won three titles, does that make him untouchable? On one hand, I applaud the administration; but on the other hand, they created the problem.
Bobby Knight is an employee of the university and he violated his employment agreement. Most of those students are going to have to make a decision in their chosen professions about an employee's future based on performance. How many would back him if he worked for them?
As a graduate of Indiana University (B.S. '99), I can tell you that firing Coach Knight was a mistake. He has done so many things for his players over the years that no one ever hears about. He has written countless letters of recommendations for his players telling future employers how perfect they would be for the job for which they are applying. He has always been kind to his fans and would always take time out of his schedule to speak with them. Also, why isn't anyone talking about the trials he has had to endure while at Indiana University? There are numerous allegations brought up against Coach Knight that have been proven to be bogus. Let's stop focusing on how we can badger Coach Knight and direct our attention to the fact that he has been insulted by the very institution that he has done so much for.
I agree with Vince. These IU college players have no idea what a bad influence Knight is on them, not to mention that he's the most hypocritical person ever. He demands discipline and respect from his players, but is willing to exert none himself when conducting himself (in basketball or not). And no, he is not winning when he needs to. That's nice that he beats Purdue once a year and some other schools that even have 20 wins. You think Duke or North Carolina is satisfied with 20 wins and bowing out of tournaments in the first or second rounds? His players are de-motivated at the end of each season, and that is a direct result of poor coaching. He sets a horrible example for anyone and can't win when it counts. Goodbye, Knight!
Vince, you're taking the "Knight-haters" approach. Let's try to be objective and fair. Knight should still be the Indiana coach. The president and board of directors are the embarrassment this time. For 29 years, Knight did what he wanted to do. The board and administrators sat back and did next to nothing. Now they are still intimidated by Knight and fired him while they felt they have the upper hand. Knight has done nothing to embarrass the university since the zero tolerance policy took place. The incident with the boy waiting for tickets is a comedy. When has anybody ever had to wait in line at Indiana U. for a football ticket? That in itself made that story fishy. The "big wigs" pushed the panic button. Knight never had a chance under their rules. Nothing was clearly defined, but he should have had the opportunity to screw up in public on the basketball court or in press conference. Knight would've had to show perfect restraint at a press visit after a game. Let's face it 90 percent of the questions the press asks are pretty dumb. That's only because they don't understand the game of basketball. The coach never really had a chance to do what he's done best all of his life. Compete and give it his best shot.
Wow, I didn't think I'd agree with both of you. Bob Knight may be a winner as a coach (not lately, mind you) but he is a loser in life. He's angry, rude and seems miserable. What a horrible way to waste one's life.
I agree with you Fred, as I am grieving. Coach Knight has his flaws, but why can't CNN show the positive things he has done along with the tapes they continue to show over and over. Coach Knight is a no-nonsense man and I find it interesting that the young men who have played for him have gone on to become fine young men who have brought nothing but honor to their coach and university. Enough said.
First, let say that I don't agree with Knight's tactics, and he should have been disciplined years ago. However, he is getting a bum rap now. Knight is part of the problem and the cowards at Indiana are the other part. They have known for years what went on behind IU basketball, but didn't say one word until this Neil Reed video shows up. Now everyone from the faculty to the pope wants to condemn the man. IU set a zero-tolerance policy in the hopes that he would resign so they would not have the embarrassment of firing him. Well, sorry IU. Now, you will have to face the reality of a tarnished university image that will take years to repair if your basketball program doesn't sink first.
The man held his players to such a high standard on the court and OFF the court as well. Firing or no firing, Bobby Knight could not adhere to the same standards he set for his players. What do you think he would have done to Dane Fife had he cussed out a female Indiana University lawyer?
Knight was a great coach and he did a lot for the game of basketball. I had several coaches who were very vocal and physical in practice and in games. They didn't put up with any horse stuff and that made our program successful. This incident isn't worth him getting fired over, however others in the past might. I don't agree with him losing his temper but his style of coaching is his style and if it won him games then it was doing his job.
Knight has been a black mark on college basketball for far too long. When Lou Henson was still at Illinois, he called Knight a "classic bully." I would like to add that he is also a classic hypocrite with all his posturing about civility and respect. Bye-bye, Bobby. Don't come back.
Vince, I know some cowards, and Coach Knight is no coward. Bob Knight might be from the old school of correcting our youth when they are out of line, but he stands his ground and does what is right. If parents and school administrators don't take responsibility for those students who are rude and disrespectful, why should everyone else, including Coach Knight, have to accept their incivility?
I think it is hilarious that Knight was trying to teach a young man about respect by GRABBING him! His past actions have shown he has little respect for the dignity of others.
I would never condone the actions of Bob Knight. There have been many successful coaches who have conducted themselves in a civil manner. However, in this instance, I believe the blame is clearly on the University of Indiana. For 29 years, IU allowed Knight to rant and rave and conduct himself the way he saw fit. Finally in May 2000, the trustees decide on a zero-tolerance policy? I'm sorry, but they might as well have fired him then. Brand and Doninger should be out the door for setting up Knight by expecting to teach that old dog new tricks.
Bobby Knight is one of the greatest coaching legends of our time. We all know what he has done for the university, including the many outstanding college and professional athletes that he has successfully mentored. However, his behavior is usually obnoxious, offensive and often intimidating to all who confront him. There is something wrong with some of his teaching and motivational tactics, even though they are effective and his players seem to respond to them. We all believe coach Knight meant well, but several times his behavior and temper with students and media representatives was tolerated too much. He rarely was pleasant and never offered any apologies for his actions. Indiana basketball will take a blow, but Coach Knight obviously believed he was bigger than the program itself. Thanks Fred and Vince for adding something different to your program.
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