Bobby Knight’s thoughts on former Indiana Administration are tiring and bitter

Former Indiana coach Bobby Knight joined ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and had more to say about a return to Indiana University and the former administration.

“Hope rides eternal”, the words that were spoken from legendary Indiana coach Bobby Knight. He was referring to the hopes Dan Patrick expressed to coach Knight about a possible return to the blue-blood school he built.

Friday morning, Bobby Knight joined ‘The Dan Patrick Show’  to talk about a documentary being featured on ShowTime about the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers team. It didn’t take long for the question of a return was asked.

Much of the conversation was in line with what coach Knight has said in the past. Some might believe that coach Knight has grown even more bitter toward the university in the 17 years since he coached at the school. Coach Knight was fired in 2000 after a video surfaced of Knight choking former player Neil Reed at practice. He was also facing other allegations of abuse from players at the time. Players continue to come out with stories about Knight years after incidents happened.

The video was taken a few years prior and it piled on to the abuse that was already being talked about from Knight. Bobby Knight has spoken candidly in the past about his disdain for anyone involved at the time.

Dan Patrick has brought up the question that every Indiana fans have asked at one point in their life. Why not return to Indiana for the fans one more time?

"“Why do we [Indiana fans] want you to go back to Assembly Hall so bad? I know not be on your wish list or front burner here, but why do we the fans want closure on this? – Dan Patrick, The Dan Patrick Show"

Bobby Knight responded with his utmost appreciation for the fans of Indiana.

"“Well I have always really enjoyed the fans… I always have and I always will. On my dying day, I will think about how great the fans at Indiana were.” – Bobby Knight, former Indiana Hoosiers head coach"

In that same breath, he took another shot at the administration that was at Indiana University during his tenure as coach. The comments, well were not surprising and considerably bitter.

"“As far as the heirarchy at Indiana University at that time, I have absolutely no respect whatsoever for those people. WIth that in mind, I have no interest in going back to that [Indiana] university.”"

It followed with the most surprising of comments:

"“I hope they’re all dead” – Bobby Knight, on the adminstration at Indiana University during his time."

What to make of the comments…

The comments made by Bobby Knight were as blunt as possible. He will not be returning to the university, ever. What intrigued me most was the reaction that Indiana fans would have to his comments. He praises the fans that were supportive of him while at Indiana, considering it something he will cherish on his death bed.

More from Indiana Basketball

• Indiana Basketball: Which teams have the Hoosiers never beaten?
• Indiana Basketball: Examining the All-Time Bob Knight Team
• 10 biggest Indiana basketball NBA Draft busts of all time
• Kent State vs. Indiana prediction and odds for NCAA Tournament First Round
• FanDuel and DraftKings Promos Expire Sunday: Bet $25, Get $400 TODAY

That being said, he wishes death upon those who fired him in 2000. The comments are quite clear that he does not care whether or not the administration at Indiana is still the same (it’s not). He has an immense amount of love for the fans but an even deeper hate for those who betrayed him.

The saying “actions are louder than words” might not be able to save coach Knight from the poor press he receives. It’s not to say that he does not bring it on himself because he does. The championships he brought to Indiana will forever be engrained into some fans memories, but how will he be perceived by the other college basketball fans that could care less about wins? His words have exposed a negative, far less appealing figure many have pushed as a hero to college basketball.

The ones who are in touch with the culture of college basketball and have been around the game for decades have thoughts. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Wertheim wrote about the dying legacy of coach Knight through his very eyes. One part of the extremely enlightening piece was the way coach Knight approached life after Indiana.

"Knight—and really only Knight—had the power to mend the tattered fabric of Hoosier Nation. But (again with the history) that’s not how deposed dictators act. He declared a self-imposed exile from Bloomington. He bad-mouthed his successor, Davis, a former assistant and thoroughly decent man who, despite the unfortunate circumstances, had been given the opportunity of a lifetime. Knight made it clear that you were either with him or against him."

Frankly, I’m sure he does not care. He may have never cared what people thought of him. That might be all well and fine, but for his overall legacy the words he preaches tarnish his on-court legacy. If were up to me, I would ask fans to no longer acknowledge a possible return to the university. It’s clear that has never been an option.