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Robby Knight Case Study

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In 1988, Indiana Basketball coach, Bobby Knight, sparked much deserved criticism in an interview with NBC. NBC newswoman, Connie Chung, interviewed Knight and when asked in regards to not getting his way during a game he said, “I think that if rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy it.” Knight quickly added that his comments should not be taken out of context. The university apologized for the comments and stated that they do not reflect the views of the university. These are absolutely deplorable comments to make on national television as the head coach of a prestigious basketball program like Indiana. I understand that Knight said to not take the comments out of context but in what context would a national audience accept that quote as justifiable? Having said that, I don’t think firing Knight from his coaching position would have been the appropriate course of action from the university. While, the comments were terrible, I don’t think it’s right to fire a coach who had put in nearly 30 years of commendable work to Indiana’s basketball team. In Knight’s thirty years at Indiana he won 662 games, three national championships, and led the 1975-1976 Hoosiers to an undefeated season. Bobby Knight did not get arrested or commit NCAA violations. He made a mistake and one that he should have been punished for to show that Indiana does not tolerate behavior like that. A hefty fine, suspension, and a public apology would have been enough punishment for his …show more content…

It is never okay to reference rape on national TV in any context. It doesn’t matter what Knight meant to say, as there will be many people offended by that kind of language watching from all over the country. However, these comments were made when Knight was asked in reference to referees making poor calls during Hoosier games. With Knight immediately saying not to take it out of context, it could be fair to assume that he meant to not take the comments

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