![American basketball legend Bob Knight has died at the age of 83](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/11/Bob-Knight-620x416.jpg)
(FILES) Retired basketball coach Bobby Knight introduces Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a rally at the Stranahan Theater in Toledo, Ohio on September 21, 2016. American college basketball coaching legend Bob Knight, an outspoken and controversial figure who guided the United States to the 1984 Olympic gold in Los Angeles, died November 1. He was 83. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP)
In addition to leading an American team featuring future NBA superstars Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing to Olympic gold, Knight coached Indiana University to American college basketball crowns in 1976, 1981 and 1987.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Coach Bob Knight has passed away at his home in Bloomington, Indiana, surrounded by his family,” the Knight family said in a statement.
“We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy when Coach requested a private family meeting, which is being honored. We will continue to celebrate his life and remember him today and forever as a beloved husband, father, coach and friend.”
Knight once threw a chair across the field during a game to earn an eviction and was fired from Indiana in 2000 after a confrontation with a student.
During his 42-year career as a college head coach, Knight posted a combined 902-371 during stops at Army (1966-71), Indiana (1972-2000) and Texas Tech (2001-2008).
At the time of his retirement, Knight was the winningest coach in American college history. He is currently sixth on the list.
Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991, Knight coached the Hoosiers to an undefeated championship campaign in 1976.
He also coached an American team to a title at the 1979 Pan American Games in Puerto Rico.
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