Bob Knight, the famously foul-mouthed basketball coach, will give the commencement speech this spring at Trine University, in Indiana, the Associated Press reports.
“Coach Knight’s respect for learning and his ability to instill character in his players make him an inspiring speaker for Trine University’s 125th commencement,” Earl D. Brooks II, president of Trine, said in a statement. “He has not only lived an exemplary life, but has played a pivotal role in the development of many outstanding young people. His reflections on leading a life of impact and meaning will be well received by our degree candidates, their families, and our community, and we are pleased to host him on our campus.”
Mr. Knight led Indiana University to three national championships before being ousted for throttling a player during a practice in 1997. He went on to coach at Texas Tech University, retiring two years ago. —Don Troop
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5 Responses to A Commencement Speech on 3-Second Delay?
11272784 - February 9, 2010 at 3:57 pm
That may actually keep the audience awake!
11221879 - February 9, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Coach Knight is an excellent speaker, and is very entertaining. I heard him speak several times at the beginning of the fall semesters at Indiiana University. (several years ago…) He is passionate about education and loyalty. Many only know of him through the media, which likes to keep alive the foul-mouthed, hot-tempered cariacture. Those of us who were fortunate to be at Indiana for many of his years as a coach know how much he did for the school and its students – and NOT just the student athletes. Enjoy!
coppocg - February 9, 2010 at 6:34 pm
It seems there is a NEW Bob Knight, at least on ESPN. Take it from this long term Purdue fan and faculty member — he is very different from the coach we “loved to hate” now that he is an ESPN analyst. He uses correct English, is excellent at analyzing the game, sticks to analyzing the game, and in general does an outstanding job. He was recently on the Purdue campus to work a game and took time to interact with the Paint Crew (student support group at the BB games)many of whom asked him for autographs. The “General” charmed the students. Of course none of those students were here when he was coaching at IU so they are probably not aware of the introduction he usually received when he entered the arena as the IU coach. I look forward to games where he and Brent are the announcers! Who could have predicted that outcome?? SO, I am certain he will do a great job as a commencement speaker. Although we loved to tell bob Knight jokes, we also appreciated the clean and excellent program he ran at IU and the support he gave the academic side of the University.
davidrshumway - February 9, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Coppocg is exactly right about Bob Knight’s work on ESPN. He’s the best analyst of the game I’ve heard on the tube. But he deserves to give this commencement address because he was a great teacher. I’ve met few professors who were a passionate about teaching as he was as a coach.
jack_433 - February 9, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Only a complete a__hole would write this idiocy. Show Coach Knight, a comsumate teacher, some respect. Whoever wrote this probably was the apologizer-in-chief for Clinton’s appalling behavior in the Whitehouse.