Yet it cannot be denied that several unflattering terms are also synonymous with the name Bob Knight. Tyrant, bully, childish, boorish, abusive, self-destructive, violent, even criminal. For every one of the notable achievements just mentioned, and also for those that space limitations do not allow me to document, there is a troublesome incident in Knight's past. These include alleged racist comments; obscenity laced tirades; physical altercations; brushes with the law in the U.S. and abroad; questionable motivation tactics; a less than politically correct stance on rape; and let's not forget his infamous cross court chair toss. The take on Bob Knight's career to date is that no other college coach has received as much just praise, and none has earned more warranted disdain.
Knight most recently made headlines when former Hoosier Neil Reed accused his ex-coach of having choked him during a practice session in 1997. By this point in time, the pattern of actions which follow such accusations has become routine. There is a display of righteous indignation by sports reporters that feeds public outrage outside of Indiana. Knight says little to nothing on his own behalf, leaving it in his employer's hands to issue denials and put up a defense. This defense usually consists of discrediting the accuser of the moment, labeling the person as a loser who wasn't man enough to handle Knight's tough love style, a soldier who wasn't fit for the war. Former players, particularly the more notable ones, then rally to declare Knight a virtual demigod. In the end, the incident fades from memory and Knight goes back to doing what he does best, until the next mishap or championship thrusts him back into the spotlight.
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