Bob Knight hits player...

[buckeyefan78]

It happened last night when Texas Tech played Gardner-Webb. I'm sure everyone has seen it.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2661787

So what do you guys think? Over the line? Old fashion discipline?

Personally, I think Knight is a thug and a bully. He doesn't aim to teach. He aims to release his own frustration. The proof is the fact his demeanor extends beyond the b-ball court. I'm all for tough discipline, but I can't go in the office and throw fits and scare little old secretaries (like he has) AFTER the game/practice is over. It's an accountability issue as well as an entitlement complex with him. He's old school but forgot what old school stood for.

[da12ken]

This instance wasn't anything. If any other coach did it, it would've been a non-story.

[suedon1970]

This instance wasn't anything. If any other coach did it, it would've been a non-story.

I agree. He is a bully with anger-management issues but from what I saw in the video he just "popped" the kid's chin up in order for the kid to look him in the eyes. If the kid's parents didn't have an issue with it, then it should be no big deal to everyone else. Like Ken said, the issue was magnified by the media because Knight was the one who did it, not another coach such as Billy D or Coach K.....

[catman]

Bobby has had a bad reputation for many years. He is a very good coach and if people tried to change his style, it would negatively affect his ability, IMO.
As has been said, if another coach did this, it would be a non-story, but because Bobby did it.......

[buckeyefan78]

I agree that the coverage is what it is cuz we are talkin' about Knight. I simply disagree with the way all 3 of you guys are approaching the subject.

I would ask catman and Sue (sorry Ken...you ain't a professional yet :P ) to look at their own careers and take the issues of boundaries and entitlement into account. You've worked damn hard to get where you are. Forget about ESPN for a minute. Forget about sports.

We have to step back and realize this is a profession for Knight. I do the same thing he does (perhaps not at his level :P ). Like I said though: by behaving this way without regard to boundaries and acting unprofessionally like he does... it automatically disqualifies his actions as "old fashion" or "just the way he is."

I wish I could treat the kids I teach like the way I treat the kids I coach. Some days I wish I could go off in the attendance office but I can't cuz... well...I'm not a psycho (really...I'm not :thumbup: ).

That's the point. I understand social situations, boundaries, and professional behavior (ignore all the crazy stuff I've ever said in here :D ). I also understand the meaning of the word accountability. And that is why I can act accordingly in whatever situation I am in: teachin', coachin', or sittin' in a meeting listening to some punk kid tellin' me how to do my job :lol:. I have an understanding of how to act cuz I know how to handle and express my values. I didn't when I was 2 though. And that is why we throw fits when we are 2...unless you're Knight. His behavior is UNIVERSAL. Universal behavior shows immaturity, no respect, and a lack of understanding.

See...now you guys have been schooled. :lol:

[da12ken]

Ain't a professional? I was Product Specialist of the Month at Circuit City, *****. I remember one time at work the gay guy patted me on the head. Err, the one connected to my shoulders.

Now that was unprofessional lol.

[tobynosker]

Things like what Bobby Knight did to Michael Prince on Monday Night are UNIVERSAL, because that kind of behavior is exhibited by every single head coach in college basketball.

But, only when it's Bobby Knight, do we start a thread entitled "Bob Knight hits player..." which has to be one of the most misleading thread titles I have ever seen.

[themush]

I don't have a problem with this latest incident. The kid was hanging his head and Knight wanted him to "man up" and look him in the eye when he asked if he could count on him if he put him back in. Obviously he has anger problems and he is constantly unprofessonal, but if we are solely talking about this incident I don't see anything wrong.

[Marc]

Right or wrong, you gotta love Knight's response to it. He mocked everyone by being extra hands-on the next game. :lol: If you want a laugh, go on YouTube and you can find an old video of him filming a golf video. He curses like a sailor trying to get a good shot. It's vintage Knight.

You know, despite him being an archrival to Kentucky for so many years, I don't have an intense hatred for him. I think he's a great coach who doesn't care what people thinks, he's old-fashioned and wants the best for his players on and off the court, i.e. he graduates so many players, it's a priority for him. And overall, he's good for the game of basketball. Bob Knights don't come along often, so appreciate him. Oh, and my favorite Knight moment is perhaps his "what the hell is a game face?" speech.