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Pastimes : Bobby Knight's Tenure - Place Your Bets -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: Razorbak who wrote (5)5/17/2000 12:38:00 PM
From: Jean-Philippe Chevalier  Respond to of 8
 
Gentlemen,

You have conjured up an interesting thread here and as I have casually followed Coach Knight since he was hired by IU I thought I would take a shot at predicting his departure. Before I do, I will offer a bit of commentary on the situation. First, let me tell you I am quite neutral on Coach Knight and could care less whether he stays at Indiana or not, although I must admit to being a bit of a Knight fan. My real interest is in Purdue basketball and although I no longer live in Indiana, I do continue to follow the Big Ten.

First, the reality of the situation is that Knight is a tremendous asset to Indiana University. IU is no different than any other university in that the focus continues to move away from educating students and more toward building endowments and enhancing faculty development through research programs and sabbatical opportunities. It is a fact that successful sports programs enhance alumni contributions and this is most evident in championship years with football and basketball leading the way. Bob Knight is a revenue generator for Indiana University and will continue to be employed there as long as he wishes unless he gets caught up in a NCAA scandal of Clem Haskins proportions. I'm betting he doesn't get into that kind of situation. Remember, the man has decked fans and physically contacted media personnel and I believe he is still a wanted man in Puerto Rico from charges filed for fighting while coaching the U.S. team in the Pan American Games back in the early 80's. Such behavior will continue to be overlooked by the University whenever possible, just as it is with Tyson, Spreewell and countless other sports figures. It ain't right, but that's the way it is. Remember, even President Clinton should have been history, but was allowed to redefine several words in the English language in order to save his neck. I believe that if the tables were reversed, Knight would have canned Brand. It is his take no prisoners philosophy that takes over. Brand needs Knight more than Knight needs Brand. End of story.

Second, this inquiry will likely have little impact on the IU basketball program. Recruiting impact will be minimal. Knight spends more time recruiting parents than he does players. For the most part, the parents that don't approve of his tactics have never sent their kids to IU anyway. Therefore, little will change. Parents who seek strong discipline will conveniently overlook any newly discovered transgressions. I expect future Knight teams to be strong in fundamental basketball and will be highly competitive. I suspect that his championship days are over as the game has passed him by in many ways and he will not be loaded with the great athletes in the future as these player will go to schools with younger coaches playing with a running offense and are not so strict on team rules regarding practice and off court behavior. It is possible that I am wrong here and he pulls another rabbit out of the championship hat, but I doubt it.

Third, Knight will successfully control his emotions better. He will have fewer scheduled press encounters, and work on his image a bit. You will still be able to count on colorful quotes and perhaps an occasional bit of misbehavior, but unless he starts posting losing seasons, the administration won't touch him.

Bottom line, Jean-Philippe predicts Bob Knight retires on his own terms in about eight years. Put me down for March 6, 2008. Of course I am assuming that he maintains his health until then.

JPC



To: Razorbak who wrote (5)5/17/2000 8:32:00 PM
From: gulleyjimson  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 8
 
Knite's Hifayree tale at Indiana

1971 -- Became coach at Indiana.

1976 -- Wins firss NCAA title wid undefeatid team.

1979 -- Conbictid in absentia f' hittigg Puehto Rican policeman at Pan Amehican Games.

1981 -- Wins seconb nashunal title.

1984 -- Coaches Utid States t'Olympic gold medal.

1985 -- Tosses chair across court durigg game against Purdue.

1987 -- Wins dird NCAA championship.

1988 -- Becomes winniggest coach in Big Ten hifayree tale; refuses t' let team finish exhibishun game against Sobiet Uon affeh his ebuhjeckion; says in NBC innerbiew: "I dink dat if rape is inebitaggle, relax and endgoy it."

1989 -- Wins 500d game; honorid as coach of de year. GEE danks.

1991 -- Seleckid to Basketball Hall of Fame, GEEEHEEHEEE.

1992 -- Gibes mock whippigg t' black playeh. Gawlly!

1995 -- Reprimandid and finid $30,000 by NCAA f' outburst durigg NCAA tournamin.

1997 -- Wins 700d game.

1998 -- Finid $10,000 by Big Ten f' behatigg refehee.

2000 -- Inbestigatid affeh f'meh playeh contends Knite chokid him durigg prackice in 1997; Knite apologizes f' his tempeh.