By Mark Gray
12:00pm PST, Jan 4, 2024
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Legendary college basketball coach Bob Knight, who was nicknamed "The General," passed away on Nov. 1 at 83. He was one of the most successful basketball coaches of all time, amassing 902 Division I wins and leading the Indiana Hoosiers to three national championships. He also led Team USA to an Olympic gold medal in 1984.
For better or for worse, Bob was also known for his antics — he threw a chair across the basketball court while arguing with a referee in 1985, and in 1997, he was caught on camera choking a former player.
Bobby was never one to bite his tongue: He often spoke freely without fear of the consequences. In 1994, for example, he notoriously said on Indiana's Senior Day, "When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here are passed, I want [them to] bury me upside down, and my critics can kiss my a**."
After his death, many celebrities and big names in the sports world publicly mourned him — even a former POTUS weighed in!
Keep reading to see how Bobby is being remembered now…
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"The World just lost an incredible person, the Great Bobby Knight. He was not just an award-winning and record-breaking coach. He was loyal to his Players, to his State, and to our Country. Tough as nails, but a big heart. When he Endorsed me, it was like the whole Great World of Indiana opened up happy and wide. Our hearts and prayers are with his wonderful wife Karen and Sons, Tim and Pat —Their Father was a great man." —Donald Trump
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"Rest in peace to Hall of Fame basketball coach Bobby Knight! I remember when he came to recruit me at Everett High School right after they went 32-0 and won the National Championship in 1976. All 1200 students skipped class that day because they wanted to catch a glimpse of the legendary Coach Knight. A true champion! Cookie and I are praying for the entire Knight family and all of his loved ones." —Magic Johnson
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"I Respect You Bobby Knight And Totally Agree! When It's My Time And Probably Should Have Already Happened, Try To Be Better Than Me… Never Happening EVER! And Kiss My A** Too! RIP" —Hall of Fame wrestler Ric Flair
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"Bobby Knight is one of the guys who took basketball to a higher level. He taught at a higher level and helped it become the 2nd most popular sport in the world. He was a tough cat but will always be remembered as one of the grandfathers of the sport. May he rest in peace" —Former NBA coach George Karl
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"Bobby Knight, one of the greatest coaches of all-time, has passed away. I know his family and the Indiana family are hurting. All of us who love the game of basketball are hurting with them. Rest in peace, Coach Knight" —Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari
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"Coach Knight had a huge impact on the game. Coach Knight was the center of attention for a lot of good and bad reasons but made an incredible impact on the game and nobody will ever forget him with that personality and that demeanor and the way he went about his business. A very complex guy but an amazing coach in many ways." —Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr
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"RIP to the legend Bobby Knight!" —Retired NFL player Ryan Clark
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"He was nothing but an incredible human being to me, my program. [He] helped me in a lot of ways when I needed him, and I think that's the hardest thing as I watch the passing of Coach Knight. I wish I could tell people that don't know him how different he is than what sometimes was portrayed." —Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo
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"My friend Bobby Knight will live forever in me! My thoughts are with Karen and his family. A one of a kind friend. Hunting or fishing or just shooting the breeze. My oldest son was named after him. His letter is in my office valuing our friendship. I'm a lucky man." —Hall of Fame baseball player Johnny Bench
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"When I got drafted to the Colts and I started learning about this beautiful state, it quickly became obvious that this state loves basketball and 1 of the reasons why was Bob Knight. I didn't know much about him before I got here but every IU fan would let you know he's the greatest college basketball coach of all time AND although he was far from perfect.. he never took any s***. If you find some time, you should do what I did.. just start watching Bob Knight videos on YouTube. He's an absolute character.. 1 of 1.. his golf instructional videos are top notch entertainment and his press conferences were Must Watch. Rest Easy to a man who has impacted so many lives in Indiana and around the College Basketball world." —Pat McAfee
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"RIP Coach Bobby Knight! Brilliant basketball coach! It was an honor to play for him in Blue Chips!" —Arizona State Head Coach Bobby Hurley
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"RIP to the legendary Coach Bobby Knight. An icon in the basketball world and a friend to many, including my dad. I remember him calling my dad daily, as my dad battled amyloidosis. Coach Knight's passion, unmatched knowledge, and intense competitive spirit made him one of a kind" —Arkansas Razorbacks Head Coach Eric Musselman
