Bob Knight’s long-awaited return to Indiana was likely everything he hoped it would be.
The former coach, who once vowed to never return to campus after his firing in 2000, went back on his pledge and attended a reunion for his 1980 Big Ten championship team on Saturday. The team was honored at halftime and Knight was introduced last, receiving a lengthy ovation from the fans. Knight himself appeared overcome with emotion as he took the court.
Bury the hatchet. #Knight #IU @WISH_TV pic.twitter.com/korERscvqr
— Charlie Clifford (@cliffWISH8) February 8, 2020
Bobby Knight firing ‘em up. #Legendary pic.twitter.com/RNWopMs1p8
— David Walker (@DavidWalkerQB) February 8, 2020
Knight even walked over to the fans and led them in a “defense” chant before departing.
Bob Knight leading the IU crowd in chants of "DEFENSE!" because of course. So cool. pic.twitter.com/k2hFmmiWol
— Kyle Boone (@Kyle__Boone) February 8, 2020
Knight, now 79, has always had affection for Indiana fans, but had nothing nice to say about the administrators who fired him and vowed to never return to the university. That publicly changed last year, and with pressure from his former players, he ultimately decided to make this appearance. It looks like it meant a lot to him, and it definitely made his players happy judging by their reactions.
