Monday Brandon Fisher of WKYT-TV in Lexington, Kentucky, reported that last Saturday while speaking to a group in Wabash, Indiana, ESPN college basketball analyst Bob Knight said that the five starters on the Kentucky 2010 NCAA tournament team did not attend a single class that semester.
Knight:
“Kentucky year before last started five players in the NCAA tournament that had not been to class that semester. That’s that one and none philosophy.”
University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart released a statement Monday night that reported Knight’s comment about the 2010 UK hoops team to be “blatantly erroneous“:
“The University of Kentucky, our student-athletes and their families take great offense to the blatantly erroneous comments made by Bob Knight that ‘Kentucky, year before last, started five players in the NCAA Tournament games that had not been to class that semester,’ ”UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said. “Academic performance has always been a priority at UK and it’s unfortunate that, although every starter from the 2010 season finished the spring semester in good academic standing, these myths exist. Our men’s basketball team’s APR score reflects our attention to academic progress and our student-athletes take great pride in representing the University of Kentucky on and off the floor.”
Patrick Patterson, who played on the 2010 Kentucky team Knight referenced, responded to ESPN analyst’s false claim on Twitter:
Ha I’m not even gonna comment on such #bullsh– (excuse my French) think me graduating & teammates GPA’s speak for themselves.. don’t u?
Tuesday ESPN college basketball analyst and former Duke basketball star Jay Williams appeared on KentuckySportsRadio.com to address Knight’s comments about Kentucky. After being read exactly what Knight said about the UK NCAA tournament team in question by show host Matt Jones, Williams said, in part:
He (Knight) does owe Kentucky an apology for that (statement) because those are accusations which are wrong.
Williams was later asked by Jones, “Do you believe ESPN as an entity, with Bobby Knight as an employee, should make a statement or address this in some way?”
Williams’ response to Jones’ question:
“I think ESPN should come to the table and do something about the comment because obviously it’s very demeaning to the players that play at Kentucky.”
More from Williams on Knight:
“I think those comments were wrong I think he does owe the fans at Kentucky an apology, but Bobby Knight is Bobby Knight and I’m sure he’s not going to give that apology.”
So will ESPN hold Knight accountable for what was clearly a blatantly - and possibly deliberately - false public proclamation?
From the last communication I had with ESPN officials this morning, it appears the network is trying to reach Knight before commenting as a company.
That said, I do believe ESPN will release a statement - with or without a Knight - soon.
Follow Brooks on Twitter or join him on Facebook for real-time updates
10:33 am on April 19th, 2011
Bob Knight is and always has been a blow hard
11:12 am on April 19th, 2011
I think the important thing to remember here is they just announced Mark Ingram will be on the cover of the next NCAA Football video game.
11:35 am on April 19th, 2011
Hmm, that comment that the statement was “blatantly erroneous” is rather interesting. The usual term is that the statement was a “blatant lie”. Did someone ask him to edit it?
I also note that the “correction” didn’t directly address the accusation. Knight said that the players didn’t attend a single class that semester, an apparant reference to the FALL 2010 semester. But the rebuttal said that they ended the SPRING 2010 semester “in good academic standing”. So I guess it MIGHT be possible for both statements to be true - that they didn’t attend a single class in fall semester 2010, but ended up in good academic standing by the spring of 2011. And “good academic standing” just means that they slipped through with a performance just good enough to avoid academic probation - not exactly a very high bar.
The only issue is how they kept up eligibility by having a minimum number of class credits in the fall semester to be full-time students, under the university rules. Some possibilities: (a) the students had a “make up” option allowing them to change their grades from “incomplete” to “complete” by turning in work after the end of the tournement and the semester, (b) they were taking on-line courses which didn’t require class attendence, or (c) they took a jock course which required only a couple hours of cramming with a tutor in order to pass the final.
Or, Knight doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
12:00 pm on April 19th, 2011
Did you do a story about the Georgia recruits stealing and being kicked off their high school team?
12:01 pm on April 19th, 2011
09-10 starters for UK:
John Wall- honor roll spring ‘10, left for NBA therefore did not attend class fall ‘10
Eric Bledsoe- completed classes spring ‘10, left for NBA therefore did not attend class fall ‘10
Darius Miller- completed classes spring ‘10 and returned as a starter for ‘10-’11
Patrick Patterson- completed classes and earned degree in spring ‘10, therefore did not take classes fall ‘10
Demarcus Cousins- completed classes spring ‘10, left for NBA therefore did not attend class fall ‘10.
“Kentucky year before last started five players in the NCAA tournament that had not been to class THAT semester.” -Bob Knight (emphasis mine)
So with regards to his statement, he was wrong on all five counts. Furthermore, one graduated and another returned for his junior year and will most likely return for his senior year. As far as the one and done thing, that’s another topic that has been debated ad nauseum.
Facts, take ‘em or leave ‘em.
12:13 pm on April 19th, 2011
No where in the AD’s and player’s response did they say; “it’s not true, all 5 starters regularly attended all the classes they registered for that semester”. And, I don’t think we’ll hear that reply from UK or any other big time college BB program. Please, someone prove me wrong.
12:14 pm on April 19th, 2011
Of course, the tweeter post which says
“…think me graduating & teammate GPA’s speak for themselves, don’t U?”
just makes me want to cringe. Yea, I know Twitter isn’t exactly conducive to great writing skills. But if you are going to defend your academic performance, perhaps you should double-check your grammar before pressing “send”.
12:56 pm on April 19th, 2011
We know that JC and KU cheat Bob’s only mistake is stating the obvious
1:14 pm on April 19th, 2011
There is a reason the basketball team plays in a place called “CoRUPP” arena. They’ve been crooked since they came into existence. And a little trivia on CoRUPP arena…..not many know that on every seat in the stadium is a SPITOON.
1:15 pm on April 19th, 2011
Knight is douche.
John Wall - got a 3.5 GPA his ‘10 spring semester but did not graduate as he went to the NBA.
Patrick Patterson - graduated in 3 years at end of ‘10 semester and went to the NBA.
DeMarcus Cousins & Eric Bledsoe - both finished classes in ‘10 semester but did not graduate as they went to the NBA.
Darius Miller - still in school & attending classes!
Daniel Orton was the non-starter who did not attend ‘10 semester classes before leaving for the NBA. This will affect the APR and BBN has given him plenty of grief for it.
UConn’s KEMBA WALKER just stated that he finally finished reading his first book since starting college - wow. Not sure how that’s accomplished while earning your degree.
Now you tell me who wasn’t attending classes.
The one & done stigma is because of the NBA, and hopefully that end soon. Calipari doesn’t like it, but isn’t against using it to his advantage - he’s not a moron.
I don’t care if it’s UK, UNC, Harvard or Duke - Knight needs to apologize to these 5 players. He spoke out of turn as a coach and as a commentator- his ass needs to be fired.
1:18 pm on April 19th, 2011
R… you realize that Twitter has a character limit don’t you? Most of the time grammar is dropped to get the point across. While we’re critiquing grammar, should we point out that the period at the end of your post should be inside the quotation marks? Also, that before the quotation you should place a colon because it is more than seven words, and because it is a direct statement.
1:24 pm on April 19th, 2011
who cares kentucky is full of hillbillies
1:29 pm on April 19th, 2011
I am a huge Kentucky fan. I will be the first to admit that but I am also from Indiana. Bob Knight has NEVER liked Kentucky. He couldn’t beat them so he doesn’t like them. He was a good coach I just think that it’s a shame instead of admitting that they have a better program at Kentucky now and did when he was a coach that all he can do is blast them. Just because you can’t out coach someone doesn’t mean you should bad mouth the kids that play for them. These kids work hard in a VERY flawed system that is only concerned with making money for the adult that run that system. They exploit these kids at any cost and the biggest train behind that is the office of the NCAA right in ol’ Bob Knight back yard of Indiana. There is where the corruption lies. I notice he never bad mouth that system he only seems to have something to say about Kentucky and Calipari! Where were his digs at Bruce Pearl or Jim Calhoun when those schools were being looked at earlier this year?
1:30 pm on April 19th, 2011
bob knight is trash talking someone else ? lol this comes from a guy who chokes his players throws chairs on the floor and behaves like a 2 year old when he doesnt get his way lol.
and bob how can 5 kids who went on to the nba in 2010 be in school for fall semester if there playing in the nba?
1:34 pm on April 19th, 2011
Wow, Bob Knight is still Bob Knight. I actually enjoy him as he often makes statements that are funny. Not always true statements, but I find it entertaining. The truth is in the middle. He’s stupid to say no one attended, but not completely false. Pat graduated, no need to attend unless looking into grad school. One returned and was eligible to play (had to attend class prior as such). The freshman, different story. Wall/Cousins were lock lottery. No chance they’d need to be eligible. Bledsoe was on the fence, worked out for him though. Wall Student-Athelete of the year at one point in the SEC. Knight, come on now. Don’t embarrass yourself. Just live down the stupid things you did to players at Indiana that led to you leaving.
1:43 pm on April 19th, 2011
Interesting that so many have access to confidential information.
Coach Knight is entirely correct in his comments and in his emphasis on the proper purpose of collegiate sports.
Many athletes at many schools are taking “classes” in name only.
1:46 pm on April 19th, 2011
Bob Knight has always been a butthead. He’s like a poor Trump. What do you expect from a twit like him?
1:55 pm on April 19th, 2011
Hey Bob, I’m sure you know this, but you don’t have to attend classes during a semester in which your sport lies in, you just have to take 24 credit hours a school year, the whole calender year, can consist of fall, spring, and summer. You outta check out how many football players take 12 hours of classes during the fall semester, not to many!!!!!
1:58 pm on April 19th, 2011
The one-year rule is ridiculous. I’m a UK alum & Bob Knight hater. In his defense, didn’t the context involve exciting fans at a speaking engagement in Indiana. Many an IU fan still exists in a UK/IU rivalry mindset with BK as their hero. The rivalry has long since diminished & Knight is a relic that ESPN rolls out for his polarizing effect. Bottom line: Change the Rule.
2:10 pm on April 19th, 2011
Coach Knight has forgotten more about the game of basketball and how to run a program than any of you Kentucky Homers! The truth hits too close to home and you don’t like the attention. Mark my words, at some point in the future, the 2009 - 2010 wins will be vacated when the corruption catches up with Callipari, just like UMass and Memphis. That great team was taken to the woodshed by the Mountaineers of WVU, a game in which Callipari was mercilessly outcoached!!!
2:13 pm on April 19th, 2011
Bobby Knight always said in his broadcasting time, “They should have done this.” So Knight should have been a role model for kids instead of a total diaster.
2:16 pm on April 19th, 2011
frank you moron,thanks for placing coach cal as the head coach of kansas.lmao.arguing with hoosiers is like pissin in the wind,even if you win they still walk away thinking they won.most of the state is full of displaced hillbillies,or have family in KY.nothing worse than a hillbilly that thinks he is a hoosier.
2:19 pm on April 19th, 2011
Everyone knows that John Calipari is a crook. He brought
sanctions to UMass and Memphis and it’s just a matter of time before he brings them to UK.
2:21 pm on April 19th, 2011
I’ve been a UK basketball fan since the mid-1970’s but let’s not be stupid here. For example, what was Orton’s g.p.a. for the second semester last year?
2:25 pm on April 19th, 2011
barnhart just didnt lower himself to the level of bobby knight.he has more class.bobby knight is like all hoosiers,always pointing out shortcomings but never seeing there own.he has no right to point out character flaws either,if it werent for the character flaws he would have no character at all.wasnt he a wanted man at one time?wow.didnt he choke a player?man.he kicked his grown son,lmao,my kids dont even kick people.he is a very miserable person,forget him.i mean look at him,he will be die soon anyway,then we can piss on his grave.hes old and needs home health.
2:26 pm on April 19th, 2011
I would like to see Kentucky come out with solid proof about their players academic records. The 5 starters from 2010 that went on. Especially the freshman that were 1 and done. Tell us what classes they attended and their grades in those classes. How many were physical education classes or below college level courses? I know they never would because students academic transcripts are classified but it would be nice to know just what these student athletes are taking. I went to a Pac-10 school and have seen first hand what kind of help bit time student athletes get with classes. I had a mandatory lab with a now NFL runningback. We had 3 people in each lab group and it was mandatory to be there on these 1hour labs at 10am on tuesdays. Saw this “student” athlete about 3 times all semester. Hardly ever saw him during test days in the class but there he was every Saturday carrying the rock???? Just saying. I don’t know if he got to take test somewhere different than the rest of the class or what but there is no way he could have passed that class with his attendance and work. He didn’t drop the class or withdraw from it either during the semester because I saw him after all the appropriate times to drop or withdraw from a class. There were other student athletes that were in the same class, that were there every day. Softball girls, soccer guys. But they didn’t bring in $13 million dollars for a big bowl game. The NCAA and their handle on big time college athletics is a joke. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ is all they care about.
2:26 pm on April 19th, 2011
like IU did a few yrs ago.
2:35 pm on April 19th, 2011
Barnhart didn’t have the guts to call it a blatant LIE. Forget blatantly erroneous. And by the way Bobby, which program has been on probation most recently, IU or UK?
2:36 pm on April 19th, 2011
Bob Knight has never been accused of being intelligent or of being a man. He has been accused of being an idiot and a coward. Who even gives a rat’s butt hair what he thinks?
2:46 pm on April 19th, 2011
Why would a school that runs a clean program accept a coach who has left the programs at the last two schools where he coached in disgrace for NCAA violations? Was Kentucky more concerned in winning at any cost and therefore seeking a coach they knew had the same attitude?
UK’s athletic department runs a dirty program. They always have and always will unless they are caught red handed (again) and UK basketball receives the “death sentence”. NO basketball for two years might drag them kicking and screaming into legality. Everyone remembers the $1000 being sent to a player’s dad but that is not the only time UK has been found cheating. There was another time when they were found to have given players cars, and even race horses. I thought it was amusing when Joe Hall decided to step down as UK’s basketball coach. I have always believed he did it because the writing was on the wall and he knew UK was going to get caught cheating. Poor Eddie Sutton got in trouble for something that had been going on for years.
Of course, UK isn’t the only school violating NCAA rules. John Wooden once admitted that he gave his players “spending money” because those poor boys didn’t have anything. Personally I fail to see how anyone can take pride in winning if they have to cheat to do it. It is simply not honorable.
2:54 pm on April 19th, 2011
This is only a prime example of the Kentucky haters getting to twist a knife into someone or anyone from Ky. Bobby Knight is so concieted and egotistical in his hatred of anything Kentucky or John Calipari that he see’s red. ESPN should fire him for his comments whether they are directed against Ky or any other school. Calipari was never indicated in either school before Ky. At least he does have something that Bobby Knight will never have, and that is CLASS. If I were Calipari, I wouldn’t even comment back. I would refuse to have a battle of wits with an un-armed person such as BK.
2:56 pm on April 19th, 2011
Bobby Knight is the biggest ——- fill in the blanks , to ever coach or announce basketball. He needs to be
fired and band from TV and basketball forever.
3:24 pm on April 19th, 2011
Bob Knight is a washed up old hack who no one pays any attention to anymore. In order to get any amount of air time, he constantly attacks UK. He’s suffering from delusions since he’s unable to slap some kid around a little each day…before he talks about others he should take a good look in the mirror the old used up wannabe…
3:27 pm on April 19th, 2011
Bob Knight is still alive. I thought he was dead…
3:27 pm on April 19th, 2011
Fire Bob Knight, but not Jalen Rose. That thug is already back on ESPN. I believe Knight is mostly right. Come on, do you really think these 1 and done go to class? They are hired guns. If they go to clas it’s a sham. I had a friend back in the day who was a two sport All American at KU. I asked him how he kept up his grades? He said that he got C’s in everything. He said he would go to class fill ouy the test booklett with his name, and sport. Sit for an hour, pass in booklett, receive a C, perfect. If you don’t believe that this is done at most big time schools, your dreaming. Student athletes, yeah right.
3:30 pm on April 19th, 2011
Do none of the Kentucky enablers remember that Knight was not very fond of I.U. as he finished his career at Texas Tech? Not sure why you are all attacking Indiana.
3:40 pm on April 19th, 2011
A case of semantics. Bobby Knight is undoubtably correct - they did not attend a single class, but in fact attended many.
3:47 pm on April 19th, 2011
People from Kentucky, please don’t make this personal against us from Indiana. Bob Knight is not Indiana, nor does he ever acknowledge he was once here. I love the state of Kentucky and the people. It is one of the most beautiful places to see.
Coach Crean is a great example of being a man and a coach. He’s taken an imporssible job (left to him by people who tried to cheat their way into winning) and is doing a fantastic job.
I watched Knight’s team growing up in Bloomington and it was fun watching them win, but there were down sides to his conduct that we’re totally inescusable. Knight’s last championship was 24 years ago. Kids growing up here today know about him, I’m sure, but they didn’t get to have the Knight experience. I’m glad for that.
3:48 pm on April 19th, 2011
Love the comments. Awful lot of facts being thrown around without the least bit of evidence to support them. Grades are confidential, but some are known as players win academic awards (such as Wall as student/athlete in the SEC). Still trying to figure out how that happened if he didn’t attend. A couple of the players aren’t hiding the fact that they didn’t go much at all (Orton) or cut quite a bit (Cousins/Bledsoe) That’s their words. All these other facts, I’d love to see your source.
3:54 pm on April 19th, 2011
hOW MANY ncaa VIOALTIONS has bobby knight been guilty of….NONE!
I’d take notice>
3:59 pm on April 19th, 2011
Hey! you folks may not like Knight, but you have to admire his morales. He was never accused of NCAA violations….what more is to be said.
4:11 pm on April 19th, 2011
Who cares what Bob Knight said!? What the hell does he know about UK academics? He’s a cry baby who throws childish temper tantrums when he doesn’t get his way. if you told him he was wrong, he’d probably lay down and kick and scream! And somebody from the ESPN wardrobe department seriously needs to dress this guy! I’m not a fashion guru, but holy smokes. He’s a train wreck!
4:23 pm on April 19th, 2011
Who said the statements are “clearly a blatantly false public proclamation. I don’t see anything that proves it was false or true. GPA’s of college athletes have been ‘doctored’ by every university out there and they will continue to let these athletes get away with murder, theft, rape, DUI and anything else you can think of because these athletes bring the college money. Bottom line. I don’t know if Knights comments are true. I don’t know if they are false. Bob Knight doesn’t gain anything by lying about this. Hmmm. Do the colleges and their athletes?
4:38 pm on April 19th, 2011
Does ESPN have a policy in place to hold their commentators to a certain minimum standard of truth? Otherwise, irresponsible accusations hurled at random would carry no accountability.
4:40 pm on April 19th, 2011
devildog. Based on your posts, how would you know anything about class.
4:42 pm on April 19th, 2011
Does ESPN have a policy in place to hold their commentators to a certain basic standard of truth? Otherwise, irresponsible accusations hurled at random would carry no accountability. If the standard is not met by Bob Knight, then there should be consequences to bear for libel or slander. An apology without accompanying consequences will be meaningless.
5:05 pm on April 19th, 2011
However, Knight is right overall, maybe he is wrong on his assertions about the players attending class, but what kinds of classes?
But the real issue is the fact he was ON TARGET about UK Basketball and Calipari.
Calipari has made a mockery of what the student athelete is as he recruits players as NBA Farm prospects to attend UK for a few months then leave for the NBA. In of itself that is not a problem to a degree, however for the UK AD to come out and make the hilarious statment that UKs is first and foremost (not verbatim quote) is a laugher in epic proportions.
Last we heard UK was dead last in the SEC in in GPA where basketball was concerned, and in bottome third in Div I overall.
To say that UK basketballs first and primary concern in education and grades is comparable to Obama telling us the Economy is the best growing by leaps and bounds.
The UK program sold its soul for Cal how left two consecutive programs in disgrace as they had to vacate two final fours.
So I think I can understand where Knight is coming from even though he mispoke. What Calipari and UK are doing with the “student Athlete” is a joke when you look at the programs academic (basketball) standing among the Div I schools.
Add to that this is a programs that claims greatness over the decades but yet the fail to mention the cheating that also have occured over those decades as well.
Sorry, but Knight was making a bigger point IMO.
Today Calipari and UK represnt what is WRONG with college basketball and exposes the NCAA for its weakness in enforcement. Remember Bledose from UK last year, the NCAA gave UK and Bledsoe a free pass, nothing new, same old NCAA, they turn their head and give UK a pass.
5:12 pm on April 19th, 2011
Bob Knight said the truth but Ky can’t handle the truth. So change your ways Ky and get off your high horse. Indiana rules basketball.
5:18 pm on April 19th, 2011
People just have to understand that when the truth comes out it does not always feel good. it happens all of the time and the coaches from all over the country know and will not say any thing because of their schools image of being holy.
5:23 pm on April 19th, 2011
To Knight, Nick anderson says , ” in your face” you suck!
6:16 pm on April 19th, 2011
Bobby knight sucks go big blue
6:42 pm on April 19th, 2011
Bob Knight i think you a should take a good look at the guys you’ve coached in the past and what they really think og you.
6:49 pm on April 19th, 2011
Once again the general SPEAKS THE TRUTH. This is a little game the squid plays. Get them into school, make it through the first semester, then drop in March. By time the NCAA catches on they are already gone. Ask the genius Eric Bledsoe. He can’t even speak English! Cousins??? WW Wes and Laybron take over from there!
7:09 pm on April 19th, 2011
Knight speaking in his usual stubborn way and by his choice of wording the statement the way he did, was tasteless and uncalled for.
In this case, though, it sounded to me like he was making more of an reference about the situation of “One and None” that is going on in college basketball today. (After all, Kentucky did have some great freshmen players only attend one year and opted for the NBA.) So, I am not so convinced that Knight was deliberately targeting Kentucky, nor any of the it’s players for opting to the NBA?
Bobby (being notorious for speaking out his “ars” at times because his mouth knows better) made a bad decision for using Kentucky as an example for his displeasure for the “One and None”.
IF that is the case? He had no reason to had made reference to Kentucky (nor any school), instead spoke openly about his angst for the “One and None”.
He’s always been a strong advocate for players getting an education and graduating. He has spoke out against allowing players being allowed to play for only one year, knowingly afterwards, they were going to the NBA.
He has also let it be known that there are extenuating circumstances where players should be allowed to go to the NBA. Hardship cases such as Isiah Thomas had while at IU as well others . Then yes, there should be reasoning for permitting a them to go pro.
But only after applying for it, before allowing them to forgo the rest of their college obligation (scholarship) that they should be able to enter the draft. (Big word there is “draft”. Not all will be able to make it a career.)
Regardless of the fact that Kentucky had more than the normal amount of freshmen opting for the NBA rather than furthering their education? Bobby does owe Kentucky an apology for using them as an example in the manner he did.
7:14 pm on April 19th, 2011
Once a fool always a fool.
7:20 pm on April 19th, 2011
HEY JOHN DOE uk does have something Knight doesn’t …PROBATION! I know uk fan everybody hates you..Knight, the NY Times, and others. Well you have it coming cheaters!
8:32 pm on April 19th, 2011
so all you knight fans, please explain the following:
1970s
It was reported (although years after the incident) that Knight choked and punched IU’s longtime sports information director, Kit Klingelhofer, in the 1970s, over a news release that upset the coach.[6]
During the 1979 Pan American Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Knight was accused of assaulting a police officer while coaching the US Basketball team before a practice session. He was later convicted in absentia to a six-month jail sentence, but extradition efforts by the Puerto Rican government were not successful.[29]
[edit] 1980s
In February 1985, Knight threw a chair across the court to protest a referee’s call during a game against the rival Purdue Boilermakers.[30] Knight was suspended for one game and received two years’ probation from the Big Ten Conference.
Women’s groups nationwide were outraged by Knight’s comments during an April 1988 interview with Connie Chung in which he said, “I think that if rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy it.”[31] Knight’s comment was in reference to an Indiana basketball game in which he felt the referees were making poor calls against the Hoosiers.
[edit] 1990s
In March 1992 prior to the NCAA regional finals, controversy erupted after Knight playfully mock whipped Indiana players Calbert Cheaney and Pat Graham during practice. The bullwhip had been given to Knight as a gift from his team. Several black leaders complained at the racial connotations of the act (Cheaney is black.) [32]
Knight was shown berating an NCAA volunteer at a March 1995 post-game press conference following a 65–60 loss to Missouri in the first round of the NCAA tournament held in Boise, Idaho. The volunteer, Rance Pugmire, informed the press that Knight would not be attending the press conference, when in reality, Knight was running a few minutes late and had planned on attending per NCAA rules. Knight was shown saying: “You’ve only got two people that are going to tell you I’m not going to be here. One is our SID [Sports Information Director], and the other is me. Who the hell told you I wasn’t going to be here? I’d like to know. Do you have any idea who it was?…Who?…They were from Indiana, right?…No, they weren’t from Indiana, and you didn’t get it from anybody from Indiana, did you?…No, I—I’ll handle this the way I want to handle it now that I’m here. You (EXPLETIVE) it up to begin with. Now just sit there or leave. I don’t give (EXPLETIVE) what you do. Now back to the game.”[33]
Former IU player Neil Reed alleged that Knight had grabbed him by the neck in a choking manner during a 1997 practice. A videotape of the incident was shown on CNN.[6]
[edit] 2000s
On February 19, 2000, Clarence Doninger, Knight’s boss, alleged to have been physically threatened by the coach during a confrontation after a game.[6]
An IU investigation inquired about an allegation in which Knight berated and physically intimidated a university secretary, once throwing a potted plant in anger, showering her with glass and debris. The University later asked the coach to issue an apology to the secretary.[6]
It was alleged that Knight attacked assistant coach Ron Felling, throwing him out of a chair after overhearing him criticizing the basketball program in a phone conversation.[6]
On September 8, 2000, IU freshman Kent Harvey told campus police Knight grabbed him roughly by the arm and berated him for speaking to the coach disrespectfully. Knight admitted putting his hand on the student’s arm and lecturing him on civility, but denied that he was rough or raised his voice. The coach was fired from IU two days later.[6]
Two days after Knight was fired from Indiana University, Jeremy Schaap of ESPN interviewed him and discussed his time at Indiana. Towards the end of the interview, Knight talked about his son, Patrick, who had also been dismissed by the university, wanting an opportunity to be a head coach. Schaap, thinking that Knight was finished, attempted to move on to another subject, but Knight insisted on continuing about his son. Schaap repeatedly tried to ask another question when Knight shifted the conversation to Schaap’s style of interviewing, notably chastising him about interruptions. Knight then commented (referring to Schaap’s father, Dick Schaap), “You’ve got a long way to go to be as good as your dad!”[34]
In March 2006, a student’s heckling at Baylor University resulted in Knight having to be restrained by a police officer. The incident was not severe enough to warrant any action from the Big 12 Conference.[35]
On November 13, 2006, Knight was shown allegedly hitting player Michael Prince under the chin to get him to make eye contact. Although Knight didn’t comment on the incident afterwards and as of yet hasn’t done so, Prince, his parents, and Texas Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers insisted that Knight did nothing wrong and that he merely lifted Prince’s chin and told him “Hold your head up and don’t worry about mistakes. Just play the game.” Prince commented, “He was trying to teach me and I had my head down so he raised my chin up. He was telling me to go out there and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. He said I was being too hard on myself.”[36]
On October 21, 2007, James Simpson of Lubbock, Texas, accused Knight of firing a shotgun in his direction after he yelled at Knight and another man for hunting too close to his home.[37] Knight denied the allegations. An argument between the two men was recorded via camera phone and aired later on television.[38]
On December 17, 2009 Knight insulted longtime rival Kentucky and its basketball coach John Calipari, saying “We’ve gotten into this situation where integrity is really lacking and that’s why I’m glad I’m not coaching,” he said. “You see we’ve got a coach at Kentucky, who put two schools [UMass and Memphis ] on probation and he’s still coaching. I really don’t understand that.”
??
8:57 pm on April 19th, 2011
It is simply amazing how so many that know so little say so much. All you “haters’ out there, first of all, Barnhart (who I do not like at all) did not use the term lie because (as many of you simpletons are apparently ignorant of) proper business decorum, otherwise known as professionalism; something Bobby Knight has never understood or practiced in his entire career, impressive as it may be. Bobby Knight’s comments are actually libelous and he has exposed himself and perhaps ESPN to civil prosecution.
Libel: 1) n. to publish in print (including pictures), writing or broadcast through radio, television or film, an untruth about another which will do harm to that person or his/her reputation, by tending to bring the target into ridicule, hatred, scorn or contempt of others.
Bob Knight has no knowledge of and no access to any information on which to base his claim and in fact, UK HAS provided everything they need to provide because they are the ones that have access to the grades. Bob Knight is and always has been a sore loser and a sore winner and his hatred and penchant for making erroneous, fallacious, and defamatory comments about UK is as lengthy and as well known as his losing record to UK. I think Patterson and Miller and Harrellson should all three bring large libel suits against Knight, and were they to do so, Knight would lose.
9:09 pm on April 19th, 2011
As to the extremely idiotic notion “Why would a school that runs a clean program accept a coach who has left the programs at the last two schools where he coached in disgrace for NCAA violations?” Again, only an idiot without a clue would make such a statement, let alone believe it. Let me enlighten you as to the depth and level of your ignorance so you don’t keep repeating such erroneous and ridiculous statements and save yourself some dignity and credibility.
John Calipari has not only NEVER been found guilty of any NCAA violations with regard to the UMASS and Memphis cases he was not even accused or implicated by the NCAA AT ALL! When Calipari found out that Marcus Camby, an adult considered old enough to make the kind of decisions necessary to fight for his country and be held legally liable for his actions as an adult in ANY court in the nation, had taken it upon himself to take gifts and money from an agent, knowing full well the risk and sanctions he was risking for his teammates and his school, John Calipari was the one that immediately reported it to the NCAA.
Derrick Rose was cleared not once, but twice buy the NCAA Clearinghouse, to play college ball. Schools DEPEND and REQUIRE those approvals BEFORE they can play a player. The NCAA, fully a year later, decided there MIGHT have been some shenanigans involving Rose’s HIGH SCHOOL SAT scores being invalidated, something that has absolutely nothing to do with Calipari or Memphis (or any other school) and is exactly why the NCAA has to clear a student before they can play. It was the NCAA that made the mistake and then stuck UMass with the penalty. But AT NO TIME was Calipari implicated, accused, or charged with ANY wrong doing and in both the UMass and Memphis cases, the NCAA actually commended Calipari for his help.
So, like Booby Knight, you need get yer facts straight before you open that big mouth and make a fool of yourself!
10:27 pm on April 19th, 2011
john57 and aegmc1 need to get a life. Wow. I would bet those two people haven’t gotten laid in forever.
6:29 am on April 20th, 2011
All you Hoosier fans need to grow up and deal with your lunatic former coach..ya he may have been great
at one time but not anymore…nail dow the chairs,call
911 for child abuse and quit kissin his a## ..he is not a God, hold him accountable for his mouth and don’t let his alligator overload his hummingbird!!!!!!…
He needs to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…ESPN NEEDS TO GROW A PAIR AND CAN HIM
9:50 am on April 20th, 2011
funny stuff:
It’s called research, and Knight’s issues are well documented. It only took a few minutes to find, so if that’s what you think is a long time, then I feel sorry for your partner (if you even have one).
4:42 pm on April 20th, 2011
Bobby Knight, has always hated Kentucky it goes way back to when UK messed up his years at Indiana.check it out not the first time ..
6:18 pm on April 20th, 2011
The funny thing about all of this is that there are a bunch of Kentucky fans railing against Knight and bringing up the fact that John Wall had a 3.5 GPA for the Spring quarter. It took John Wall 5 yrs. to complete high school. Wow, that U.K. curriculum must be real tough. LMAO
8:44 am on April 21st, 2011
This story highlights the diff between Bob Knight and Cal. The College game passed Knight by because he stuck to his core convictions. If you came to play for Knight, you were expected to also actually attend College. Further, you were expected to play with discipline and act as an Ambassador for your school.
Cal is the opposite - he has embraced one and done - Lexington has become a bus stop on the way to the NBA.
All basketball fans know that what Knight says is true.
The Big Time kids coming to Ky have no intention of ever actually being students of anything but hoops.
In big time college hoops, winning and $$$ is what matters.
Let Princeton and Duke have the student athletes - Ky is happy with one and done mercenaries and NCAA TV revenue.
2:01 pm on April 21st, 2011
I agree he was way off base!
4:30 pm on April 22nd, 2011
I believe there is probably some truth in what Bob Knight has come forward with. Why would he even mention something like that unless he has gained information on that subject.
Do professors keep an attendance log? I think they should keep such an attendance log to verify what students are supposed to be enrolled in there class.
3:14 pm on April 24th, 2011
As with your all’s Worshipness sanctions at UMass and Memphis how long till it catch up at Kentucky and he moves on! Which is his coaching trait! Run instead of face his fears, let someone else do that! Oh My God only at Kentucky no I can’t say that, we did it and it sucks to be a fool! Now you know where I live and yes I still family in Kentucky! But as my Grandfrather always said if you could eat opossum you stay and if not will you know the rest!!!!!
Peace, Me, Myself, & I
2:20 pm on April 27th, 2011
TO ALL THE UK HATERS: WERE BACK, ENVY OUR PAST FEAR OUR FUTURE
9:00 pm on April 27th, 2011
“…Think me graduating”…yeah, totally not true, great institution of higher learning.