Major Controversies Surrounding Bob Knight: A Detailed Timeline
Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Bob Knight.
Bob Knight, nicknamed "the General," was a highly successful and controversial American college basketball coach. He achieved 902 NCAA Division I men's basketball wins, a record upon his retirement and sixth all-time upon his death, solidifying his place as one of the most impactful figures in the sport.
1966: NIT Semifinal Loss
After Army's loss to BYU in the 1966 NIT Semifinals, Bob Knight had an explosive reaction, demonstrating his fiery temper.
1973: Douglas Blubaugh Confrontation
In 1973, Bob Knight had a confrontation with head wrestling coach Douglas Blubaugh in the practice facility.
December 7, 1974: Incident with Joe B. Hall
On December 7, 1974, during a game against Kentucky, Bob Knight hit Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall in the back of the head.
1976: Incident with Jim Wisman
In 1976, Bob Knight grabbed IU basketball player Jim Wisman and jerked him into his seat.
January 31, 1981: Incident with Isiah Thomas
On January 31, 1981, during a game between Indiana and Purdue, Isiah Thomas allegedly hit Purdue guard Roosevelt Barnes, leading to controversy.
February 7, 1981: Jackass on TV Show
On February 7, 1981, Bob Knight brought a "jackass" (male donkey) wearing a Purdue hat onto his television show after claiming derisive chants were directed at him and his wife at Purdue.
February 23, 1985: Chair Throwing Incident
On February 23, 1985, during a Purdue-Indiana game, Bob Knight threw a chair across the floor after receiving a technical foul and was ejected from the game.
1985: Alleged Abuse of Players
From 1985 to 1989, Bob Knight allegedly punched Todd Jadlow in the face and committed other abuses, as detailed in Jadlow's book.
1987: Supreme Court ruling opens extradition possibility
Following a United States Supreme Court ruling in 1987, that opened up the possibility of his extradition to Puerto Rico, Knight wrote a letter to the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee, apologizing for the incident.
April 1988: Controversial "Rape" Comment
In April 1988, Bob Knight made a controversial statement during an interview with Connie Chung, saying, "I think that if rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy it." These comments sparked outrage from women's groups nationwide.
1989: Alleged Abuse of Players
From 1985 to 1989, Bob Knight allegedly punched Todd Jadlow in the face and committed other abuses, as detailed in Jadlow's book.
1997: Choking incident
In 1997, Knight appeared to place his hand on the neck of Neil Reed during practice.
March 14, 2000: Neil Reed Choking Allegation
On March 14, 2000, CNN Sports Illustrated aired a piece on Robert Abbott's investigation of Knight. Former player Neil Reed claimed Knight choked him during a 1997 practice, which Knight initially denied.
September 2000: Firing from Indiana University
In September 2000, after a "zero tolerance" policy was implemented and following an incident with freshman Kent Harvey, Indiana University president Myles Brand fired Bob Knight.
2000: Firing from Indiana University
In the fall of 2000, Bob Knight was fired by Indiana University following a run-in with a student and the university's "zero tolerance" policy.
March 2006: Heckling Incident at Baylor University
In March 2006, Knight had to be restrained by a police officer after a student's heckling at Baylor University. This incident did not lead to any action from the Big 12 Conference.
October 21, 2007: Shotgun Allegations
On October 21, 2007, Knight was accused of firing a shotgun in the direction of James Simpson after an argument. Knight denied the allegations.
April 18, 2011: Controversial Comments About Kentucky Basketball
On April 18, 2011, video surfaced showing Knight making controversial claims about Kentucky's basketball team, which he later apologized for.
March 2017: Comments on Indiana Administration
In a March 2017 interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Knight expressed his continued animosity towards Indiana, stating he hoped the administration that fired him was "all dead."
