Bobby Knight was a bully who really didn’t like John Wooden

Bob Knight, the legendary basketball coach, recently passed away, sparking a range of emotions and opinions. Some viewed him as an enigma, a mysterious figure that was difficult to understand – a rationalization that is both inaccurate and misleading. John Feinstein, who wrote a book about Knight, offered a more truthful assessment of the coach. Despite being granted complete access for his book, Feinstein’s honest portrayal caused Knight to resent him for the rest of his life. The truth is, Knight was never an enigma; he was simply a jerk and a bully.

There were those who believed that Knight’s behavior could be overlooked due to his impressive coaching record. Whether it was throwing chairs, berating referees, or verbally assaulting anyone who crossed his path, some were willing to forgive his actions as long as he delivered wins. To them, the end justified the means. Knight’s derogatory remarks towards female sportswriters and a sports official from Puerto Rico only reinforced this belief.

Over time, those who were timid or wanted to avoid confrontation learned to steer clear of Knight. Others eventually gave up fighting back or trying to make him see the error of his ways. He wore them down, as bullies often do.

One person who managed to survive this onslaught was Bob Hammel, a sports journalist from Bloomington, Indiana. Hammel, a kind and soft-spoken man, had the unenviable task of covering Knight’s rise to fame at Indiana University. Initially, Hammel and Knight clashed, but over time they reached a working truce and became friends. However, even this relationship was not without its difficulties. In the end, everything always revolved around Knight.

A memorable incident occurred at a dinner honoring Hammel, where Knight’s actions demonstrated his true character. The evening started off joyfully, with many people attending to pay tribute to Hammel. Knight, along with several sportswriters, was seated at a table and scheduled to speak about Hammel. However, Knight chose to berate one of the writers for something he had written previously, leading to an uncomfortable atmosphere in the room. By the time the writer had a chance to respond or lighten the mood, Knight had already left through the back door, leaving Hammel’s celebration significantly dampened.

This is what bullies do.

For those who try to paint Knight as a tough guy who believed he had to be unlikable and dictatorial to win, there is one fact that speaks volumes. Knight did not like John Wooden – an opinion that puts him in the minority. Wooden, without even trying, was universally loved. With 10 NCAA titles to his name, Wooden was a legendary coach who was known for attributing his success to others. He was respected for his intellect, generosity, and overall character. In contrast, Knight lived and died by the game of basketball.

Knight’s resentment towards Wooden was evident in his actions. When Indiana’s Calbert Cheaney won the John Wooden Award, Knight allegedly orchestrated his absence from the ceremony, and a sportswriter who reported on the incident was later berated at Hammel’s dinner. Knight openly expressed his dislike for Wooden and attributed it to the Sam Gilbert recruiting scandals. However, Rick Majerus, a respected basketball coach, revealed that Knight’s animosity towards Wooden stemmed from Wooden overshadowing his mentor Pete Newell. Newell, a successful coach in his own right, was eclipsed by Wooden’s unparalleled success, and Knight took exception to this. It was a petty and unnecessary feud.

But that was Bobby Knight – a bully who thrived on such behavior.

In conclusion, the image of Knight as an enigma or a tough guy is a mischaracterization. He was a bully who used his coaching record to justify his inappropriate actions. Those who choose to overlook Knight’s behavior are complicit in enabling bullying and mistreatment. It is important to acknowledge the truth about Knight’s character rather than rationalize his actions.

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.