Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, December 11, 1993 TAG: 9312110088
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BLOOMINGTON, IND. LENGTH: Medium
"It has been determined by Indiana University that coach Bob Knight engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct during the Notre Dame game," the university said in a brief statement.
The university's athletic department cited Big Ten Conference regulations that hold each member of the school responsible for conducting themselves in a "sportsmanlike manner."
Knight's outburst during the 101-82 victory over Notre Dame was triggered by some sloppy play in the closing minutes by the Hoosiers' reserves, including his son, Pat.
Indiana was up by 28 points when the younger Knight, a 6-foot-6 junior, made a pass that Notre Dame's Ryan Hoover intercepted and converted into a layup. The elder Knight already had scolded some fans for displaying a sarcastic sign directed at the Irish.
During a timeout, Knight went face-to-face with his son, screaming at him as the players went to the bench and sat down. Knight apparently kicked at something, and some fans, thinking Pat Knight was the target, started booing. That's when Knight turned from his seat and glared at the anonymous offenders behind him.
Kit Klingelhoffer, Indiana's sports information director, said Knight was unavailable for comment Friday. It was Knight's first suspension by the university, although the Big Ten suspended him for one game in 1985 for throwing a chair during a home game against Purdue.
Klingelhoffer said he was not sure whether Knight actually kicked his son, but the suspension was based on his overall conduct.
"I think a total review was done of everything," he said.
No. 12 Indiana was to face Tennessee Tech in the first game of the Indiana Classic on Friday night in Bloomington. Knight will return for Indiana's game tonight.
Big Ten spokesman Mark Rudner said the league was aware of the suspension and would make its own review. He said Commissioner Jim Delaney would determine "the adequacy" of the action within three days of receiving Indiana's report.
Douglas Wilson, vice president of university relations, said Indiana President Thomas Ehrlich wasn't involved in the decision and would have no comment.
"It was a decision within the athletic department," Wilson said. Indiana assistant Norm Ellenberger, who scouted Tennessee Tech, stepped in for Knight.
"I think our players are a little disappointed not to be able to see him on the sidelines," said Tennessee Tech coach Frank Harrell.
Harrell said he did not see film clips of Knight's actions during the Notre Dame game, "so I don't know enough to make a judgment."
"I do know that Bob Knight cares more about his players than anybody else in the country. His team prepares in practice, so they'll be all right without him. In fact, they'll probably play even better because of it."
by CNB