Knight Doesnt Disappoint

Legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight and the Texas Tech Red Raiders visited Shreveport-Bossier City to face the Centenary Gents. Would we be treated to some Knight antics we've all become accustomed to seeing? Chair throwing? Player chokings? As usual, Bobby Knight did not disappoint.

During the first period of the game Knight was up to his usual antics, yelling at his players and referees. He was subdued for the most part, putting a smile on my face as he let one of his players know, "You might as well be a dead guy out there!" Referring to the kid's defense on the court. Don't get me wrong...at this point, if you want to play for Bobby Knight, expect to be choked, degraded, yelled at and benched regularly. You'll get no sympathy from me.


As the first period ended, Knight and the Red Raiders passed by Centenary's student section when someone yelled out, "Oh (expletive) Duck! He's got a gun!" And a large group of students ducked down.

They were obviously referring to Knight's recent YouTube video made during a hunting trip in which pellets from SOMEONE's gun landed on a house. Was it in bad taste? Probably. Personally I thought it was pretty creative and laughed at it (hey, I wouldnt do it, but I can certainly see the humor in it). But Bob Knight wasnt so amused.

As he passed Centenary's student section, Knight suddenly stopped and started walking back towards the student section. With a scolding finger raised he, and admittedly very calmly and politely, chastised the students, explaining that his team was gracious enough to travel to play in the game when no one else would.

Then, after some pleading from his assistant coaches (one of which he told to get the [expletive] out of his face), Knight headed off the court...and out of the building. Permanently.

Folks were looking for Knight to return after the incident but he would give them no such satisfaction. I sat there waiting for the announcer to let the crowd know, "Ladies and gentlemen, Bobby Knight has left the building!". Post game interviews revealed that Knight was apparently sick from a recent trip to Alaska to play in a tournament. How convenient.

I personally am not surprised at what happened. We all expected it. I dont think it's a stretch to suggest that perhaps the guy should have thicker skin than that. Knight was obviously trying to show the Centenary students up by not returning, but what he ended up doing was giving them and the rest of the fans exactly what they expected and wanted from him. Thanks Bobby. It will be a night to remember.

Oh, by the way...Centenary got the better of Bobby Knight twice that night as Knight's Red Raiders lost to Centenary 70-66 in the final moments of the game. Texas Tech might have appreciated the services of the winningest coach in men's collegiate basketball.