Bobby Knight is a legendary former college basketball coach who led the Indiana Hoosiers to three national championships. He passed away on Wednesday at 83 years of age. His family reports that Knight died at his home in Bloomington and did not make public any cause of death. Starting his career as a player for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Knight coached the Indiana Hoosiers for 29 years from 1971 to 2000.
Photo Cred: SI
He’s also a three-time Big Ten coach and a four-time national coach of the year. Knight led the Hoosiers to three NCAA championships during his storied tenure. Despite all his accomplishments on the college level, Knight also found time to be successful on the world stage. He led the 1984 Men’s Olympic team to a gold medal and later became one of only three coaches to win an NCAA championship, an NIT title, and an Olympic gold medal. Known for his intensity, Knight faced multiple issues.
Photo Cred: CBS Sports
There’s the famous incident when he threw a chair on the court against Purdue, then there’s his 1979 arrest for assaulting a police officer in Puerto Rico. His career at Indiana ended after he grabbed a player’s arm as well. Knight’s fiery nature was authentic through and through. The fact that he made it through these incidents lives as a testament to the greatness of his career and the difference the basketball world has for Bob Knight. Knight’s family has asked for donations to Indianapolis’ Alzheimer’s Association, Marian University, or other charitable organizations in lieu of flowers. In a statement, Knight’s family said:
“We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as Coach requested a private family gathering, which is being honored. We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him, today and forever a beloved Husband, Father, Coach, and friend.”
