Please Revoke Bobby Knight's Media Pass

I hate Bobby Knight the sports broadcaster.

Knight’s recent visit to the Pacific Northwest as part of the ESPN Gameday crew for the University of Washington game against UCLA solidified my hate for Bobby Knight. Dare I say, he is a part of the media now, unless ESPN made it clear in his overpriced contract that he would never be referred as part of the media.

What makes me hate Knight is not the red sweater which he seemingly must wear lest he diminish his brand (think what Ronald McDonald would be without his big red shoes).  But, his loathing for sports media: a profession he counted as one step above prostitution. Yet he decides to become one.  He is unaware of the teams he is covering, the players that are playing or the broadcasters he is working with.  Several times during the UW/UCLA broadcast, Knight would chime in like the old grandfather in the corner changing subjects because that is what is on his mind.

Prior to the game, he alluded to the fact that his son’s Texas Tech team should lead the Pac 10 since they are 3-0 against Pac 10 teams. Knight’s belief that he does not have to adhere to any rules is deplorable. I thought you could not openly root for teams if you were a part of the media? 

Knight does know his basketball. During the broadcast he broke down plays and gave insight on what a coach is thinking.  Yet, his explanations proved to be hard to follow at times without the use of a telestrator.  Sure, maybe some know what a ball-side screen is, but what about the guy just watching a basketball game.

Earlier this season, Knight said during a Cal/Kansas game that he is not part of the media and if he was, it would be hypocritical.  In essence, Knight is a hypocrite. He hates the media but was willing to prostitute his Texas Tech program out to ESPN so that it could produce an ESPN Reality Show. Anybody recall Knight School, where Texas Tech walk-ons competed for a spot on his roster. 

His work covering games makes me want to cringe. Charles Barkley is the master of showing up to work without preparation, but his comfortable demeanor and supporting cast make him look good.  Knight is stiff and it seems the broadcasters he works with are fearful he’ll go for their neck if you disagree with his words. I feel for Brent Musberger since he must work with Knight one on one.

After giving his head coach position up to his son, Knight needed attention and a source of easy income.  ESPN decided to hire Knight to give “analysis” of NCAA hoops.  Granted, Knight is a great coach and ensured that his athletes were “student athletes” when he was coach.  That I respect.  The rest of his act I do not like.    

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