Last modified: Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Media Advisory
Statement on Bob Knight's new book
In response to media inquiries in connection with the publication of Bob Knight's autobiography, Indiana University President Myles Brand has issued the following statement:
"Having read Texas Tech Coach Bob Knight's account of the events leading up to his dismissal by Indiana University, I strongly disagree with his depiction of those events and of Indiana University. As a university president, I fully expect to be the target of criticism from time to time. But I am particularly dismayed by the personal attacks directed by Knight at other long-time university employees and trustees, many of whom have devoted their lives to Indiana University and continue to serve this university well. I greatly appreciate their loyal service, and am sorry to see them targeted in this effort to generate controversy and book sales.
"While I wish the Texas Tech coach well in his current position and appreciate his past contributions to IU, I stand by the actions we took and the reasons for them.
"Meanwhile, Indiana University has moved forward. Enrollment and contributions are both at record levels. At the beginning of this academic year, IU was named College of the Year among research universities by Time magazine. And our men's basketball team has just won its first regular season Big Ten championship since 1993, while playing before its usual sellout crowds at Assembly Hall.
"Despite our disagreement with the book's content, our university has no interest in fueling further controversy about this matter, which has already received exhaustive media coverage. We would instead simply refer any interested parties to the following Web link, where pertinent documents regarding Knight's dismissal can be found: https://www.iuinfo.indiana.edu/ocm/releases/knight2000.htm."
