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Wednesday's headlines announcing the death of college basketball coach Bob Knight spurred memories of the vein-popping fits he threw inside Lahaina Civic Center.
Whether he was screaming at referees, grabbing and kicking his own players or tossing shade on sports writers, Knight lived up to his surly reputation all three years he brought his Indiana University team to play in the Maui Invitational. His Hoosiers never won the crown here, losing twice to Syracuse in tournament finals in 1990 and 1998, and dropping their opening-round game to Utah in 1994.
As with most bullies, Knight was more tolerable, almost affable, when he was winning. Losing could turn him into a spoiled 6-foot-5 child who threw chairs and cracked clipboards over young men's heads. His meltdowns were the stuff of legend through a head coaching career that spanned 43 years and three national championships.
Despite his faults, many folks idolized Knight. He was a master technician of the game and motivator. His players graduated college and his programs did not run afoul of NCAA rules. Many Knight fans point to his coaching tree of assistants and players who went on to be great coaches in their own right. Former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski tops the list.
It is Knight's influence on others that we find most concerning. How many youth and high school coaches emulated his style back in the day? Copying his tactics, preparation and commitment to education are fine, but how many also thought it was acceptable to physically abuse players, intimidate officials and blame their failures on others? How many parents felt empowered to heckle refs at their 8-year-old's soccer games because that's the way it was done on TV? How many politicians choose to attack and divide over working across the aisle for the public good?
We spend a fair bit of time along Maui's sidelines and are glad to report that island coaches and parents are generally respectful to officials and rival teams. There may be a few catcalls from the stands or complaints over close calls, but our sports leaders have worked to promote positive coaching and cheering. Thus far, we have been spared the violent criminal assaults and melees that happen far too often on the Mainland.
Due to the Lahaina fires, this year's Maui Invitational has been moved to Oahu. While it is disappointing to miss one of the best fields in the annual preseason college basketball tournament's long history, Maui is not ready to play host to eight teams and their many boosters. It was the proper call.
Here's hoping the island is on its feet enough to bring teams back next year. Maui fans have been blessed to witness many outstanding players and coaches throughout the decades. That includes Bob Knight. Love or hate him, like a simmering volcano, you never knew when he might blow his top.