He Did It His Way

Word this week that legendary coach Bobby Knight resigned and turned his Texas Tech team over to his son Pat caught the sports world by surprise. After 902 victories, Knight decided that he’d had enough. His timing was odd, though. He said he did it with 10 games left in the season in order for his son and players to get accustomed to each other in hopes it will set them up better for next season. It remains to be seen how that plays out. But now that he is gone it should be noted that Knight was good for college basketball. Yes, he made some comments (“If rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy it”) and did some things (showing up with a whip at a press conference, and throwing a chair cross court) that were idiotic but overall Knight did what a college coach is supposed to do- graduate all his players and make them better people by instilling discipline and responsibility. For that, there can be no argument. He was never caught up in any cheating or recruiting scandals, made sure his kids went to class, and turned out quality citizens after four years with him. Yes, there were those who have sour grapes with Knight after realizing that he was tougher than they thought but that is to be expected. His toughness is what made him effective but isn’t for everyone. He never wavered from how he ran a program. The NCAA is one of the most corrupt institutions in sports in my opinion, yet Knight rose above the nonsense and didn’t buy into their hypocrisy. He could see through their bullshit. They would not tell him how best to run a program because he seemed to know the NCAA is just a bunch of politicians. Knight should be commended for the way he did things. Of course, now he is considered a dinosaur because his ways are no longer effective in a world where conscience means less and less every day. Knight’s methods failed to get through as effectively in recent years because people just don’t care about listening to authority when it doesn’t suit them. As soon as they hear something they don’t like they turn a deaf ear and that hurt Knight. People seemed to take him less seriously as time went on. No, the man wasn’t perfect but he was far better than 90% of the college coaches currently out there. In an environment where corruption reigns (the NCAA) Knight was a breath of fresh air. You always knew what you were going to get and never had to worry if Knight’s programs were on the level. Those were two things you could always depend on. For that he will not be forgotten. I do not have children but if I did, Bob Knight could coach my son any day. I know he’s either loved or hated but I think the world needs more Bob Knights. It might make the world a better place.