Unfavorable departure figures with controversial Knight
By Gary Parrish | CBSSports.com Senior Writer Follow GaryIt's a shame that it ends like this.
On a Monday.
In the month of February.
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| The sight of Knight chucking chairs on the court will always be remembered. (AP) |
Like I said, it's a shame. Because with this final unusual development Knight has cemented his reputation as a man who preached commitment and discipline but forever struggled being committed and disciplined while handling himself in a way that was equal parts controversial and bizarre.
He abused the media.
He abused his players.
Now he's abused his own legacy (again).
By resigning now Knight has provided another head-scratcher in a long list of head-scratchers. Even if this move makes sense in his mind it doesn't make sense to most people because a legend isn't supposed to leave like this, not in such an abrupt manner with 10 games remaining in the season because a legend isn't supposed to quit once the NCAA Tournament is out of reach.
No, a legend is supposed to stick with it to the end, leave with class and dignity and a final wave to the crowd, with a nod and a smile and a tear trickling down his face. A legend is supposed to reflect and laugh and talk about the good moments, walk off the court one last time while we watch and tell the person beside us to pay attention because the man stepping away was one of the best to ever live.
But this legend couldn't have it that way.
Instead, Knight opted for the route less traveled. He bailed on his team two days after one game and two days before the next, and how could he spend 42 years asking players for everything they could give when he was comfortable bolting on them on a random Monday afternoon? Answer: I have no idea. But the byproduct is that the hypocrisy of a man who was often times hypocritical is front and center again.
And isn't that the real shame?
