K is a liar, plain and simple, zero respect, nothing he does or says should be considered decent. Either you are honest and have character or you are a liar and have none. Put his parents in jail because he obviously never learned anything about character, how can he pass anything on to anyone. He should resign, immediately. Worthless human. I guess that's what we get for making college athletics all about money. He is everything that is wrong with the USA these days. Zero honesty. Vote Bernie or continue the lies and deceit forever, banana republic
1
This misstep by Coach K is a far cry from the other examples of "imperialism" that Rhoden cites. And if highlighting this episode is supposed to provide insight into larger character flaws, then I await his breaking of that story.
Until then, let me provide a counterexample that critics will no doubt find as insignificant as I find this current incident. During my first year as a graduate student at Duke, Coach K visited our campout (grad students only have to campout for one weekend to get into a lottery for tickets) to speak to us. Instead of a pep-rally-style hyping up of that year's team, he took a moment to admonish the infamous "Cameron crazies." He told us that he really didn't like it when we jeered opposing players by saying "you suck!" He said it was unbecoming of our school to denigrate a player that way. He kindly asked us not to do it. It was stunning. Maybe some will say that he was stifling expression or being imperial, but I think he was simply trying to get people to be a little more decent.
I'm not defending Coach K's actions -- maybe it wasn't his place to chastise Brooks and maybe he should have owned up completely at the outset -- but this example falls well short of supporting Rhoden's thesis and comes closer to the plea for decency and sportsmanship that I witnessed firsthand.
Until then, let me provide a counterexample that critics will no doubt find as insignificant as I find this current incident. During my first year as a graduate student at Duke, Coach K visited our campout (grad students only have to campout for one weekend to get into a lottery for tickets) to speak to us. Instead of a pep-rally-style hyping up of that year's team, he took a moment to admonish the infamous "Cameron crazies." He told us that he really didn't like it when we jeered opposing players by saying "you suck!" He said it was unbecoming of our school to denigrate a player that way. He kindly asked us not to do it. It was stunning. Maybe some will say that he was stifling expression or being imperial, but I think he was simply trying to get people to be a little more decent.
I'm not defending Coach K's actions -- maybe it wasn't his place to chastise Brooks and maybe he should have owned up completely at the outset -- but this example falls well short of supporting Rhoden's thesis and comes closer to the plea for decency and sportsmanship that I witnessed firsthand.
7
Really, Mr. columnist? On the list of bad things coaches do, this is so so far down the list. Pathetic.
6
much to do about nothing. Why not report meaningful comments not such cheap shots.
6
What a poor-spirited action, showing only an absence of dignity in the emperor coach.
1
Everybody interviewed for this article suggested the incident was anything but. Yet WR insists on sticking to his premise. I guess he always felt that way about Coach K and now he had the opportunity to pounce. Lame journalism.
9
Coach k is a class act, and putting him in the same class as an ego maniac like Bobby knight is real disservice. Jeez, isn't there something more interesting, frankly more relevant, to write about the tournament.
7
When Duke, a high seed, lost to Mercer, a VERY low seed a few years ago, Krzyzewski said "sometimes freshmen play like freshmen", an obvious shot taken at his freshman star, Jabari Parker who was held in check in the game. Maybe it would have been appropriate for Krzyzewski to say "sometimes coaches don't get their team prepared for a first round game".
Now "K" gets caught in a flat out lie on national TV, accusing a young kid of lying. Sorry "K", apologies don't count after you get caught. You are a great coach, you need to start showing some class in defeat. I'm a Duke alum and fan but I'm beginning to see "K" for what he has become, a guy who broaches no criticism and has developed a bit of a messiah complex.
Now "K" gets caught in a flat out lie on national TV, accusing a young kid of lying. Sorry "K", apologies don't count after you get caught. You are a great coach, you need to start showing some class in defeat. I'm a Duke alum and fan but I'm beginning to see "K" for what he has become, a guy who broaches no criticism and has developed a bit of a messiah complex.
13
This reminds me of something I did as a little league coach--told a opposing pitcher to show some respect--I think "stop preening like a little girl" were the exact words I used on my way past him from coaching third base. I felt bad afterwards, his parents were non too pleased when it got back to him. Point is, I can relate to what coach K let slip.
2
But if he had told his parents what you said to him, would you have denied it and essentially implied that their child was a liar? And then continued to insist that until a videotape was unearthed to show that you had been the liar all along?
Can you related to that?
Can you related to that?
5
These articles are always pretty priceless as the NYT chooses to opine on how "imperial" coaches act (one incident is plenty to write an op-ed on, no?) as opposed to looking at plenty of perhaps "non-imperial" coaches screwing up royally. The UNC basketball and football programs graduated dozens of students over a decade who took independent classes that have been proven to be fake. When did that come up in the NYT? Roy Williams recently hired Sean May as an assistant. The same Sean May whose very UNC diploma is in question due to these courses. As for the very esteemed Dana Altman that the author mentions? This is the same coach who played three players after they were accused of gang rape before they were finally expelled from the university. These petty political sports stories don't belong on the NYT pages. Leave them to Deadspin or ESPN please.
7
Emperor coaches also known as egomaniacs.
2
Coach K was obviously embarrassed that a private comment was made public and tried to backtrack. That this has become such a controversy is absurd. The only people who are upset about it are Duke haters and the sportswriters who need clickbait.
"He called and apologized, and I told him he didn't need to. [I]t didn't bother me at all. It bothered a lot of people. It didn't bother me." — Dana Altman
"[H]e had nothing to say sorry for. He’s just giving a player advice." — Dillon Brooks
Let it go people.
"He called and apologized, and I told him he didn't need to. [I]t didn't bother me at all. It bothered a lot of people. It didn't bother me." — Dana Altman
"[H]e had nothing to say sorry for. He’s just giving a player advice." — Dillon Brooks
Let it go people.
6
it's cheap to take the shot. anyone who's played ball knows that. you're not doing it for the win, you're doing it for your ego or to rub in the loss. either way, you lose in terms of dignity, integrity, and respect. that does show up later on unless you mature, or someone has the decency to tell you it ain't cool.
sorry, dillon. If the coach didn't tell you, I will.
sorry, dillon. If the coach didn't tell you, I will.
5
Are you talking about Coach K? Is that why he lied when asked about it? For his ego? I agree that he lost in terms of "dignity, integrity, and respect". It's too many people lack the decency to tell him it isn't cool to lie. And only apologize when the videotape proves it.
4
It's hard to find anyone any more defending good sportsmanship; players, coaches, sports writers. I'm done with it..spoiled kids all their life.
4
This column makes me wonder what is missing in William Rhoden than makes him need to write what he has written.
7
And your comment makes me wonder what's missing about folks who read a sports column about a $9 million a year plus bonuses college coach whose team is notorious for gratuitous last minute scoring when winning, lies about what he said to a kid on an opposing team that just blew his favored team out of the tournament, brands the kid a liar, gets caught in his lie, and wonder why the author wrote about it. Maybe too much social media myopia? Maybe they're around so much hypocrisy they can't appreciate an egregious instance like this? Maybe they inhabit such lives of schadenfreude they automatically assume the same of others? Exposing hypocrisy, arrogance, lack of integrity, exalted heroes with clay feet, human vanity, petty tyrants, shrill little men who think sanctimony is a virtue, are all traditional and fascinating subjects of good journalism. If Rhoden is missing anything, it's having more readers who appreciate his journalistic excellence and who don't deify an overpaid jerk like Coach K.
3
Coach K made a mistake. Emperor coach? Waste of newsprint!
6
What was his mistake? Lying?
1
Christian Laetner must die!
Rhodes has it right. This coach thinks he is bigger than the game.
2
Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
1
All bow down to the emperor coaches please
Folks love to slam Rhoden. But I'll say this in his defense. He's consistent. He likes the bat flip, he likes Cam Newton's dances, and he's against lectures by the old guard regarding a celebratory three. The guy favors fun over etiquette. Maybe you disagree, but it is refreshing when a sportswriter likes what he likes and just tells it like it is.
1
Right, unfortunately, it depends on who is doing it.
1
Completely disagree with the premise of the article. Coaches have every right to defend the culture of the sport from overweening young players who have no appreciation for such things. Older people have every right to speak to the younger generation about something they may be rupturing that they may not even realize exists.
5
Anyone who has spent any time around Duke, as I have, knows that Krzyzewski has a well-deserved reputation for being a profane jerk. Is that really any surprise? I can assure you that unless and until Coach K pulls a Bobby Knight and, you know, actually assaults somebody, or unless he stops keeping the Blue Devils as the most consistently competitive team in the ACC and arguably the NCAA as a whole, nobody around Durham will give a hoot.
4
Bigtime ego for sure.
2
people will always hate Duke.Coach K moved on..relax people
3
He missed his chance to move on, choosing instead to step in it not once but twice. Any school with the poor judgment to pay a basketball coach $9 million a year before bonuses isn't worth hating. You just feel sorry for them (not much) and hope it's not too late for therapy or if left on their own no one gets hurt.
2
Coach K was simply defending his players. I don't blame him. Oregon should have done the equivalent of 'taking a knee' at the end of the game.
2
Get over it Mr. Rhodes. Sounds like you are still bitter over the Knight incident. This was nothing. I'm not a Duke fan, but Mr. Krzyzewski did nothing wrong.
9
My guess is that if Brooks had missed it, K would have said nothing. He was simply reacting to getting badly beaten.
6
Since college sports is as much about character as skill I would assume Coach K will be summarily fired.
He deserves no better than he himself would expect if someone else had done the same to him.
He deserves no better than he himself would expect if someone else had done the same to him.
2
Coach "K"- stay away, from the lecture podium.
1
Because he has nor experience handing 18-22 year old young men.
Admittedly, I'm not a basketball fan, but I can't for the life of me understand why, given the chance, the player wouldn't take the shot. It seems his sin for Coach K wasn't in taking it, but making it.
4
The shot clock was about to expire and there were still 10 seconds left in the game. He has to shoot it or its a turnover. Why is this controversial?
9
Coach K seems like a sore loser. Good for the kid who took the 3 pointer at the end of the game. Coach K should keep his remarks to his own team and maybe they would have done better. In general these college coaches are given too much power, way too much money and usually at the expense of the players. College is about learning both in the classroom and on the playing field/court but the academic side should be foremost. We don't see good professors/instructors getting paid the kind of money these coaches make. Sports and colleges in general have become large business on the backs of the students.
3
Wow, I completely disagree with the author of this piece. I wouldn't have a problem with any coach mildly scolding a player who did such a thing in a unobtrusive way. This is the sort of hypersensitivity that leads to college kids who demand their "safe space."
5
well then chew out Coach K and his players for he allowed his players to run up the score in 7 games this year.. anything more to say?
3
Could you post/share those 7 games where Duke was up by double digits and Coach K ordered/or allowed a shot up in the last few seconds? You mentioned this so many times during this thread I admit I am curious. I would love to share these as teachable moments. I cannot recall any games like that within the ACC and I don't miss very many.
2
@Smitty- it's posted below, a commenter by the name of "Jonathan" posted it. you'll just have to scroll down to find it- can't miss it. i've been harping on this so much because "K" supporters are a dense lot, who refuse to believe that their precious coach can do no wrong.. what is it with these ravenous, psycho sports fans and their teams? It's understandable as young kids, but as adults- get a life people!!!
2
Coach K lied and would still be lying but the audiotape revealed the truth. He's a bully who pretends to be a great teacher and leader, and the athletes and reporters that he bullies prop him up. And as Coach of the US National Team, he is in a position to punish players from other teams that don't kowtow to him.
10
Right on. I respect the coach, and am a casual duke fan, but if there was nothing wrong with what he did, he wouldn't have lied about it.
6
I'm sure Coach K simply wanted to avoid embarrassing the young man publicly to spare his feelings.
1
Yes, calling a young man a liar is always the best way to "spare his feeling". And if it makes you look better, why that's just gravy.
3
Regarding Rhoden's experience with Bobby Knight, reporters are supposed to be objective and not make "facial expression"[s] when they don't approve of an interview subject's answer. I would have cut off the interview then, too.
5
You want him to be stone faced? who in the hell is ever stoned face when someone is talking to you?
2
Leave the kid alone, he had just beaten last year's national champion. Who wouldn't be excited. The real culprit is the imperial coach who was caught lying. This happens to our elected representatives all of the time. Interesting that the coach did not apologize for the lie, just for confronting a very young player from the winning team. Again, we hear this from electeds over and over.
3
Much ado about nothing. How about the imperial sports columnist?
8
One of the commenters- "Jonathan" posted below, 7 instances where coach "K" allowed his players to add on points near the end of a blowout game. "7" that magic number. how can you "K" fans still support this hypocrite and fake "legendary" coach?
4
It's interesting to see the correlation between commenters who are close followers of college basketball and support for Coach K. Those condemning him appear to be alumni or otherwise fans of Duke's rivals, or those with little familiarity with the traditions of good sportsmanship. Brooks needed to hear the good advice Krzyzewski was gently delivering to him, and his own reaction to it was, I'm sure, what Coach K hoped it would have been. There was no reason to make the conversation public, and absolutely zero reason to criticize the Duke coach. (The Oregon coach is another story; does anyone believe his assertion that he ordered Brooks to take a shot--much less a trey--in the closing seconds with an 11 point lead. I'd feel better about him if were just fibbing than actually encouraging a cheap shot.)
Duke athletes have an overall graduation rate of 98%, and Coach K's elite basketball players have a graduation rate of 100%. Their coach has the most wins in Division 1 programs, and was selected to coach the U.S. Olympic team.
The real cheap shot is this column.
Duke athletes have an overall graduation rate of 98%, and Coach K's elite basketball players have a graduation rate of 100%. Their coach has the most wins in Division 1 programs, and was selected to coach the U.S. Olympic team.
The real cheap shot is this column.
7
i believe the Oregon coach , on the other hand there is actual proof that "K" is a liar, a disgrace. He allowed his players in 7 games this season to do the same- run up the score.. no admonishment, no lecture. give me a break you blinded "K" fans.. just like Paterno, those wins are meaningless when you screw up big time, on video and audio tape. Hypocrtites giving lectures on good sportsmanship even after they themselves did the same thing 7 times in one season!!!
4
I understand he runs a stellar program but it may be a bit of a case of another parent telling my child how to behave - regardless of what position that parent holds in society, I would not be too pleased.
1
100%? Not true. A lie to support a liar. Some recent Duke one-and-done players: Jahlil Okafor (2015); Justise Winslow (2015); Tyus Jones (2015); Jabari Parker (2014); Austin Rivers (2012); Kyrie Irving (2011). And it goes back farther to Luol Deng and Corey Maggette. If 3 freshmen from last year's one-and-done Kentucky-style NCAA championship are now in the NBA, what's the graduation rate going to be for the class of 2019?
When you have that many players injured in the NBA every season, because the referees refuse to do a good job of policing the game, then you know that it has, and will become a game of the tallest and biggest giants. It is no longer a game of players who are decent, but those who know how to brawl their way to the hoop. When you are paying to watch, you realize it is time to stop. I have been watching since I was a little girl as my dad loved all things television including sports, because he played men's varsity basketball and softball until he was fifty. If you are looking for character in sports in this day and age, you need to look elsewhere, as it hardly exists on the court. When you see a select few coaches at the college level who don't let their players throw tantrums or have bad behavior, you can spot them right away, as it is so few, as to make the game look like one big brawl most of the time.
2
In the post-game summary both Kenny Smith & Charles Barkley commented on the "scandal" and both agreed it was a "teaching moment" for Mr. Brooks, and both agreed on the appropriateness. Now let's discuss creds here, Smith & Barkley or Mr. Rhoden; okay, let's not and say we did. Slow news day Mr. Rhoden?
5
they were not aware of the fact "K" did the same in 7 games- allowing his players to run up a blowout scoring game... judging before all the facts are in is irresponsible, so who cares about those 2 (Smith and Barkley)buffoons?
1
Those who follow Mr. Rhoden know that he often writes about racism in sports. This time I think he may be the guilty party. If Coach K is imposing establishment values on a young black basketball player I can see how that would seem offensive. And maybe Mr. Rhoden is stereotyping Dillon Brooks as a black kid with street values. That would be wrong. Brooks is from a solid middle class family outside of Toronto. His father works in construction and his mother has a good administrative job. He played at the highest levels of high school basketball. By all accounts he's a good student. And he played for the Men's Canadian National team in the 2015 Pan Am games, beating the US in the semifinals. Brooks appears to be a young man of substance unlikely to be intimidated by Coach K or anyone else. I don't how I feel about what Coach K said, but considering who Mr. Brooks is, I see no harm done.
6
I'm not sure who's a more consistently sanctimonious ... Coach K. or Mr. Rhodes.
6
this is why, when the NCAA starts, my first rooting is for Duke to lose, like the Patriots in the NFL. Both coaches are a pain in the neck.
2
William, thank you for an article that places in perspective the egos we see from these coaches and their little fiefdoms.
4
... along with their nutty fans.. Basketball, football, soccer- looney tuney nut jobs.
1
That's just the way multimillionaires act, especially when their money didn't come from hard work or dedication or unique talent, but came due to the monetization of others hard work, dedication and unique talent. Those liberals with their PhDs. With friends like that who needs the GOP.
2
Coach. K. Typical lying right wing extremist. I've heard him touting his books on right wing radio and acting like he has the right to tell others what to do. He can go pound sand...shill.
7
I find it fascinating that so many commenters object to Coach K being compared to Bobby Knight. Don't they know Coach K was a long-time assistant to Knight and Knight was his mentor?
I remember when Mike Krzyzewski was the young kid with the unpronounceable last name Duke hired to restore their program at the same time NC State hired Jim Valvano and Georgia Tech hired Bobby Crimmins. K's first big coup was recruiting Bilas and Alarie, The Twin Towers. Now Coach K thinks he is above the rules, and tries to get the refs to be partial to HIS teams, like pitchers expecting pitches that are outside to be called strikes.
I remember when Mike Krzyzewski was the young kid with the unpronounceable last name Duke hired to restore their program at the same time NC State hired Jim Valvano and Georgia Tech hired Bobby Crimmins. K's first big coup was recruiting Bilas and Alarie, The Twin Towers. Now Coach K thinks he is above the rules, and tries to get the refs to be partial to HIS teams, like pitchers expecting pitches that are outside to be called strikes.
3
WCR is once again making a fool of himself. This is making a mountain out of a molehill. Of course WCR knows all about that particular skill sety. Good writing? Not so much.
I am not a Duke fan/alumni. I think that Duke is way too arrogant for both sports and academics. Yet this is fairly trivial. Just a disappointed coach expressing his frustration in an inappropriate manner. Cam Newton should pay attention here. Coach K apologized. Get it?
I am not a Duke fan/alumni. I think that Duke is way too arrogant for both sports and academics. Yet this is fairly trivial. Just a disappointed coach expressing his frustration in an inappropriate manner. Cam Newton should pay attention here. Coach K apologized. Get it?
4
it's not a molehill but another example of arrogance amongst sports fans, players, coaches and college administrators. Hypocrisy is another word that is applicable here, read below, "K", in 7 blowout games allowed his players to stack on more points. They could have easily not done so. Hypocrisy? Definitely. A touch of megalomania? Maybe.
3
Coach K was arrogant for confronting the opposing team's player, and a documented liar to boot. ONLY when he was caught did he apologize. Welcome to the NCAA.
8
Sounds sounds like a pretty thin skinned reporter. Put him on the Donald Trump beat. It should be entertaining.
9
Coach K may be an 'Emperor Coach' but he is also legendary. Dillon will likely remember his remarks with humor as the years pass rather than with any bitterness.
As a teenager, I attended a coaching camp given by legendary coach Claire Bee. During a shoot around, Coach Bee came over to me and watched me closely for a few minutes. Afterwards, he offered some encouragement and a pat on the back. For a few minutes, I felt like a real basketball player.
As a teenager, I attended a coaching camp given by legendary coach Claire Bee. During a shoot around, Coach Bee came over to me and watched me closely for a few minutes. Afterwards, he offered some encouragement and a pat on the back. For a few minutes, I felt like a real basketball player.
2
that makes him a "god"? i don't think so, he proved himslef to be less than a legend by blatantly lying until he was confronted with audio of the incident. Some legend- i don't think so.
2
You left out the point that the kid was also rubbing it in with the fans and the Duke players. What Kryzewski was basically telling the player privately, was that he has a chance to make millions of dollars in the near future and doing some stuff like that could hurt his public persona. You may recall that the last words spoken between the two were the kid apologizing and Kryzewski saying that he didn't need to apologize to him. Ultimate mountain out of a molehill.
11
Coach K is a class act. Which is a lot more than can be said for the author of this article. Find something worth writing about. Or find something else to do with yourself.
11
And also a liar.
3
@Dog- read @Jonathan's comments below. Many times "K" let his players shoot just befor e the end of the game just to add on points to a blowout. You've got some explaining to do.
3
Coaches are just like the star players. They get away with everything that they can get away with.
2
but they make $$$millions while the players make diddly squat.
1
Coach K apologized only after an audio he was caught lying about the encounter by an audio recording. Quite a display of arrogance and super-inflated ego, I'd say.
Coach K ought to try managing his own team and refrain from interfering with players from other teams.
Coach K ought to try managing his own team and refrain from interfering with players from other teams.
5
If Duke's administration subscribes to high academic standards, its administration should discipline Coach K for his unsportsmanlike conduct, , no questions asked and athletic alumni, boosters, donors, not withstanding.
1
Any NCAA coach who speaks directly to a player on the opposing team except to compliment him or her should be fined and suspended. This especially applies to crotchety, self-appointed Kings.
3
this reminds me of Joe Paterno and his support of Jerry Sandusky. We all know how their supporters reacted- disgustingly. Being a sports nut is like being a ISIS religious fanatic, only a few degrees separate each other. Just look at those riots at soccer games abroad. All that is missing are guns , and bombs. What is wrong with the males of our species?
2
You can't possibly be serious. Jerry Sandusky was a child molester and ISIS are terrorists. The coach spoke to an opposing player. Yeah, that's about the same.
I've read through a bunch of comments and I swear, people are losing their minds over this minor kerfuffle.
I've read through a bunch of comments and I swear, people are losing their minds over this minor kerfuffle.
4
I would like to relate a encounter that I had 20 yrs ago with coach K. My 10 year old son, were at Saratoga and saw coach K in the stands. My son asked to meet him and get his autograph. Coach K signed my son's program and added "to Nick, always do your best." I am not a Duke fan but I am of the old school in that you do not take another shot in the last seconds of the game when the outcome has already been decided. I think this was a teaching moment for coach K and the player. I would leave it at that.
As far as the writer from Oregon claiming that Joe Paterno and Jerry Sandusky were friends, the writer does not know what he is "talking about." As far as claiming that "Joe Paterno turned a blind eye to the whole affair" again this is a falsehood. The write should read the entire Louis Freeh report and he will come away with a much different perspective.
As far as the writer from Oregon claiming that Joe Paterno and Jerry Sandusky were friends, the writer does not know what he is "talking about." As far as claiming that "Joe Paterno turned a blind eye to the whole affair" again this is a falsehood. The write should read the entire Louis Freeh report and he will come away with a much different perspective.
4
"Kerfulle"?- personaly i don't care about basketball- it's more like a glamorized 3 ring circus/freakshow., but role models are supposed to be just that, "K" by his actions ain't no role model, maybe for like minded people and supporters of Trump and other right wingers. stay away from Coach "K"
2
First-world problems!
1
It's only a game! Muti-million dollar a year coaches, while the faculty struggles for academic excellence. Oh, I forgot, it's basketball! The world is falling apart and this is of so much importance to draw this overwhelming number of comments? How about some perspective here.
2
It is laughable how inaccurate this story is. Krzyzewski told the truth to the player in a classy way, and denied it to avoid the story becoming bloated, which it now has...thanks for the big giant yawn, New York Times
15
Rhoden, the self-appointed thorn in the establishment's side, chooses to talk to and quote a coach who had no idea what he was talking about. How about simply quoting the TV studio team of Clark Kellogg, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley, each of whom iterated and reiterated that it was a teaching moment, a good thing. Smith went so far as to say that this is what is GOOD about college basketball. But to Rhoden it's imperialism, with all of its loaded connotations. That's a shameful charge against Mike Krzyzewski, but as I so often say to myself after one of Rhoden's pieces, whatever! PS. Brooks, the player in question, didn't seem to mind the lecture, one he needed, if not from *his* coach then the other team's.
8
Exactly. Who thinks Mr. Rhoden would have written this article if the coach was black and the player white?
2
Kenny "the all purpose toadie" Smith and Charles "Curry is overrated and Golden State will never be championship team" Barkley are your preferred basketball authorities to quote about a teaching moment? Not sure what you think they might teach but it doesn't have anything to do with basketball. Whatever! PS. Small difference between acting like an emperor and imperialism, connotations are very difficult to load if you grasp the denotative meaning, and there's little left to shame when you accept $9 million for your services as a basketball coach and lack the good sense to refrain from an egregious display of sanctimony telling off a player on a team that just exposed how fatuous your reputation and Duke's basketball program is. And that's before Lyin' Coach K stepped in it not once but twice. Shameful and shameless.
"K" is the one who needs a lecture , a liar, and hypocrite. He allowed his players to run up the score in 7 games this year. Yeah, liar AND hypocrite- sore loser too. The Emperor is dethrowned!!!!
1
I am completely with Coach K. I also thought Dillon Brooks response was excellence. Equating this incident to Coach Boeheim's reaction to questions about his suspension seems almost foolish.
5
After this season's record K is over. He will probably go kicking and screaming. Still, expect the announcement by next month.
1
K is not my favorite coach -- by a long shot. But in this case, he is right. Players should not take a last second shot when leading to the point where the opponents aren't attempting to steal the ball. The game was over. Why take another shot? The reason? To pad the score. And that is not the way teams should play.
5
Coach K should have talked to the other coach if he had a problem. He was completely out of line to lecture a player on the other team. Good point too about K being silent about his own players' transgressions.
2
Agree making a mountain out of a molehill !
7
Some class act this Coack K-not. His supporters at Duke will just shrug off his lying and interfering with another team's player, nor will they acknowledge his own double standard for not chewing out his own player who tripped opponents on two different occasions. Hey, it's only a game. Why get so upset about such trivial incidents? You gotta love this insanity, almost as bad as belonging to ISIS.
2
Coach K booted one of his top-scoring starters off of the Duke team immediately before the championship game after the player was accused of sexual misconduct. He would have been well within his rights to allow the player to take the court, since there was no time to investigate the charges before game time. Other players have been suspended for not keeping their GPAs up, regardless of the team's win/loss record.
Everyone is assuming that Allan was not reprimanded. How has this been confirmed?
ISIS? Really? Some people really, really need to calm down.
Everyone is assuming that Allan was not reprimanded. How has this been confirmed?
ISIS? Really? Some people really, really need to calm down.
3
Just to clarify, the 2015 championship game.
1
LW- like ravenous sports fans- baskertball, football(remeber Joe P.) and soccer(check out those riots and killings overseas)!!! WE are just here to remind you nuts, that you are nuts!!!!
1
I'm not a Duke fan, but this is much ado about nothing. Are you really this desperate for a story?
8
Not apparently as desperate as you were to read it. All the mountain out of molehill comments suggest an incredible lack of self control on the part of readers to invest time in a "nothing" story and then kvetch about it. And then write in to say I couldn't stop myself from reading a nothing story and now am compelled to write and tell you all it was a nothing story.
How do you write a nothing story that 600 or so readers feel compelled to say something? Guess $9 million is a lot of nothing for Duke to pay someone who thinks it's nothing to say something about nothing and then lie about it twice and dismiss it all as nothing. All accompanied by an amen choir screeching "Move along, nothing here but mountains from molehills... ."
Might be a molehill but looks like it's part of the Himalaya range of molehills.
How do you write a nothing story that 600 or so readers feel compelled to say something? Guess $9 million is a lot of nothing for Duke to pay someone who thinks it's nothing to say something about nothing and then lie about it twice and dismiss it all as nothing. All accompanied by an amen choir screeching "Move along, nothing here but mountains from molehills... ."
Might be a molehill but looks like it's part of the Himalaya range of molehills.
2
Oh, the irony. America's most self-important sports columnist excoriates his fellow royalty. I can't see his interview with Bobby Knight ending any other way.
5
This is only a big deal because of 2 things:
1. hypocrisy- why didn't coach K teach his own player, Grayson Allen, not to trip other players?
2. lying- why did coach K deny lecturing Brooks until AFTER he was caught with video evidence?
As for Oregon shooting the 3, I don't see anything wrong with that. There have been many games where teams have unexpectedly come from behind, including one famous one involving Duke and another one involving Texas A and M this year. The Patriots routinely run up the score in football.
1. hypocrisy- why didn't coach K teach his own player, Grayson Allen, not to trip other players?
2. lying- why did coach K deny lecturing Brooks until AFTER he was caught with video evidence?
As for Oregon shooting the 3, I don't see anything wrong with that. There have been many games where teams have unexpectedly come from behind, including one famous one involving Duke and another one involving Texas A and M this year. The Patriots routinely run up the score in football.
6
The NYT's animus for Duke neither started nor ended with its lacrosse fantasy. Same old, same old, from a smug and blinkered institution.
4
Sorry. The $9 million prize for "smug and blinkered" goes to....Duke! Or as Gene Hackman said, "Duck."
1
How about "Emperor Sports Reporter." Much ado about nothing. Egos are common among coaching staffs. Krzyzewski, in the heat of the moment, said some things, and then apologized. Rhoden, on the other hand, still hasn't gotten over the diss by Knight. Knight was right by the way. Knight didn't need the NYTimes. And neither does Krzyzewski.
6
Coach K is in that rarefied air where he is allowed to lie, where he can have his players trip other players, refuse to shake hands when they lose, come in to play one year and then leave for the NBA, etc.. But God forbid, God forbid a member of the other team makes a basket while in the commission of beating precious Duke.
10
The shot clock was NOT off. Brooks could have held the ball and let it expire. Instead, on his coach's orders, he shot close to a 35-foot three. It's not showboating. It was a low percentage shot that kept the game action moving. It's totally sour grapes by Duke. The game was essentially over. Brooks expedited its end.
7
"Emperor Coach" was the part of the headline that caught my attention, as I've seen far too much of that syndrome at high school level, especially as it is so often inversely related to team performance, player development, sportsmanship, ...
Not knowing much about Krzyzewski, I found that at $9+ million/year he is likely the highest paid employee of any U.S. college or university. (At $7 million, Nick Saban is the highest paid public employee in the entire U.S.) Krzyzewski and his family have a long history of major donations. The coaching record speaks for itself. I accept at face value all the testimonials about the quality of the Duke program, and the criticism of this year's team for tripping opponents and of the coach's lapse in judgment last week.
The bigger question about "Imperial" is what are the trustees of Duke University thinking to pay him $9 million/year? Krzyzewski coaches a basketball team. He's not curing cancer, not remedying climate change, not negotiating nuclear disarmament, not presiding over the United States. However much revenue Duke basketball brings to the university, no CEO in the U.S. (even as overpaid as many of them are) is rewarded with the share of revenue that Krzyzewski is paid.
If there was ever a case for collusion in higher education, this is it: Declare National Haircut and Salary Freeze Decade. As contracts renew impose 20% salary cuts on coaching salaries and freeze the lower rates for 10 years. No one would walk.
Not knowing much about Krzyzewski, I found that at $9+ million/year he is likely the highest paid employee of any U.S. college or university. (At $7 million, Nick Saban is the highest paid public employee in the entire U.S.) Krzyzewski and his family have a long history of major donations. The coaching record speaks for itself. I accept at face value all the testimonials about the quality of the Duke program, and the criticism of this year's team for tripping opponents and of the coach's lapse in judgment last week.
The bigger question about "Imperial" is what are the trustees of Duke University thinking to pay him $9 million/year? Krzyzewski coaches a basketball team. He's not curing cancer, not remedying climate change, not negotiating nuclear disarmament, not presiding over the United States. However much revenue Duke basketball brings to the university, no CEO in the U.S. (even as overpaid as many of them are) is rewarded with the share of revenue that Krzyzewski is paid.
If there was ever a case for collusion in higher education, this is it: Declare National Haircut and Salary Freeze Decade. As contracts renew impose 20% salary cuts on coaching salaries and freeze the lower rates for 10 years. No one would walk.
3
its all about bringing fame and fortune to a college- "K" did that, so all sins are and will be forgiven- even if he did something like what Jerry Sandusky did at Penn St, and we know how the locals reacted when their beloved Coach Paterno was caught turning a blind eye to it all- denial, anger at the press, etc. Sports fanatics are almost on par with members of ISIS but defintely on par with those soccers psychos in Europe.
2
Coach K prefers bashing players not his own...
WHY do college coaches make millions? Why don't players get paid anything? And many players don't even get the education promised them. Hard to study when you've become part of a billion dollar entertainment industry.
Those college students in revenue-generating sports are hardly "student-athletes" - they're tough players working hard in the the NBA farm teams... Pay the players. NCAA cares about the dollars, not the players.
WHY do college coaches make millions? Why don't players get paid anything? And many players don't even get the education promised them. Hard to study when you've become part of a billion dollar entertainment industry.
Those college students in revenue-generating sports are hardly "student-athletes" - they're tough players working hard in the the NBA farm teams... Pay the players. NCAA cares about the dollars, not the players.
5
here in Oregon the University of Oregon sold it's soul to Phil Knight, for his $$$ support of the football, track and field and basketball programs. Knight can do no wrong. This whole fiasco with the 2021 World Track and Filed Championships read: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/17/sports/eugene-ore-to-host-first-world-... . The legislature recently past a hotel/motel tax increase to pay for this private enterprise. Tax payers picking up the tab again. Phil Knight and his bought off cronies could have paid for it. http://bigstory.ap.org/article/5a5cc8345b214d5794e40d8ce3df8cef/ap-newsb... The scandal within the IAAF . Sebastian Coe who was one of the negotiators is himself being investigated along with all of the local Eugene Oregon's track officials. It would not surprise me if Knight himself is under investigation for illegal activties. Big sports corrupts, for big money is involved, and when you have big money being involved, the predators come running for a piece of the action.
1
Great article. The NCAA is an example the modern-day slavery where white coaches, fans, businesses, and administrators profit off the exploitation of predominantly African-American athletes who receive no compensation for their sacrifices or hard work. The situation here is the equivalent of a plantation owner chastising a slave for not submitting himself to the rules created by the white establishment for everyone else to obey. No irony that it came from a white coach at a Southern university named after a tobacco plantation slaveowner who fought for the Confederacy and profited off the backs of African-American labor.
8
No compensation? Doesn't a full tuition scholarship plus room and board count as compensation? Do you know how much it costs to attend a university like Duke? Do African-American athletes somehow receive less scholarship money than athletes of other races? And how many African-American athletes are "exploited" on college baseball, ice hockey, field hockey, soccer, tennis, golf, and swimming and diving teams?
2
You aren't supposed to shoot at the end of the game if you win. That's the bottom line. When the USA coach and multiple time national champion gives you advice the only thing to say is thank you.
1
I had no idea he made $9 million a year. Puts it in perspective. A $9 million loser. Must be in his contract for $9 million that he make some gesture of defiance if he gets drummed out so early in the competition.
Optics for his Duke donors that if he loses at least he gives them the satisfaction of throwing a few chairs on the court. Oh, forgot that's Bobby Knight. But I'm sure his Duke donors and the University overseers got their tax-deductible dollars worth by watching their $9 million paragon of classy basketball hector a young Black player and then smear him as a liar on national TV. And yes, definitely deserves a thank you from that ungrateful kid for such sage advice.
No I don't think he should coach Team USA or be giving advice to anyone. Except maybe Doug from North Carolina to avoid humiliating himself with overobsequiousness. That's the below rock bottom line. No thanks necessary.
Optics for his Duke donors that if he loses at least he gives them the satisfaction of throwing a few chairs on the court. Oh, forgot that's Bobby Knight. But I'm sure his Duke donors and the University overseers got their tax-deductible dollars worth by watching their $9 million paragon of classy basketball hector a young Black player and then smear him as a liar on national TV. And yes, definitely deserves a thank you from that ungrateful kid for such sage advice.
No I don't think he should coach Team USA or be giving advice to anyone. Except maybe Doug from North Carolina to avoid humiliating himself with overobsequiousness. That's the below rock bottom line. No thanks necessary.
3
Doug- tell that to Coach "K" and his players- 7 games they did the same this year. What's the matter, "K" got your tongue?
2
Hey, John Feinstein declared him king way back when he was a mere night cops reporter at The Post. It's all his fault...
You aren't supposed to shoot at the end of the game if you are about to win big. That's the bottom line. When the USA coach and multiple time national champion gives you advice the only thing to say is thank you.
5
Seven times this year, Duke players have shot in the final 45 seconds when Duke was leading by 15 or more.
1) With an 80-65 lead and 20 seconds left in game vs Florida State on February 25, Grayson Allen (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
2) With a 79-58 lead and 10 seconds left in game vs Virginia Tech on January 9, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (made)
3) With a 91-75 lead and 11 seconds left in game at Wake Forest on January 6, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
4) With a 100-81 lead with 9 seconds left in game vs Long Beach State on December 30, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (made)
5) With an 85-50 lead with 43 seconds left in game vs Utah State on November 29, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a jumper (missed)
6) With an 80-60 lead with 40 seconds left in game vs Yale on November 25, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
7) With a 92-71 lead with 29 seconds left in game vs Siena on November 13, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a jumper (missed)
1) With an 80-65 lead and 20 seconds left in game vs Florida State on February 25, Grayson Allen (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
2) With a 79-58 lead and 10 seconds left in game vs Virginia Tech on January 9, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (made)
3) With a 91-75 lead and 11 seconds left in game at Wake Forest on January 6, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
4) With a 100-81 lead with 9 seconds left in game vs Long Beach State on December 30, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (made)
5) With an 85-50 lead with 43 seconds left in game vs Utah State on November 29, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a jumper (missed)
6) With an 80-60 lead with 40 seconds left in game vs Yale on November 25, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
7) With a 92-71 lead with 29 seconds left in game vs Siena on November 13, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a jumper (missed)
10
Doug- you're so busted.... next supporter of coach "K", lets hear from you.
4
It wasn't his shooting that was the issue, but his grandstanding after making the shot which showed poor sportsmanship.
Coach K apologized - even to the journalist. Never, ever, heard sorry from Bobby The Bully Knight. They should not be compared.
6
Just how important is what Coach K said? Or how he said it? Or to whom it was said? Is this really worth the print and other media coverage it seems to be getting? I think we would all be far better off if Division 1 college and other (yes, "other") professional sports received about 10% of the attention that they actually get.
2
same can be said about Donald Trump, don't you agree? Was he worth the attention? The New York media outletts are responsible fo creating this monster back in the 1980's. Now look... he's still receiving about 30 % of women's vote vs Clinton. how is that possible with all of the hatred coming from him? Thank the media. Coach K and Donald Trump- two egomaniacs created by ravenous fans with media backing.
1
Coach K has a job..to coach his team and it is NOT his place to scold another teams player. So many view him as an Icon... so that means he can do whatever he wants.
East coast Bias.
East coast Bias.
he didn't even do the same when his players ran up the score in 7 games this year. Hypocrite? I think so. Sore loser Yes. A legend? Hell no!!!
2
Sportwriters always need something to bark about, and for Rhoden, this is the yap of the day. Pasting labels on someone in the limelight is easy and doesn't take much thought, particularly if the writer focuses on one act. And it usually isn't fair. Judge someone by their body of work, Mr. Rhoden, and not a singular act. You have made much ado about nothing - the usual work of sportswriters.
5
The comments in defense of Coach K stagger any faith in rationality and judgment. A single act is within a zone of exoneration? Sirhan Sirhan, suicide bombers, Lee Harvey Oswald, James Earl Ray...? Not fair? As an exemplar of what's wrong with college sports, the $9 million Coach K deserves 24/7 coverage by a dozen investigative writers and two dozen sportswriters. A Pulitzer for Rhoden, please. There's a pandora's box that smells to high heaven that Rhoden has unearthed. God is in the details...no less true of mere emperors of the hardcourt.
3
just like the defense of Joe Paterno of Penn St. worse scenario but still unapologenic fans, and family who defended his lack of remorse and responsibility in that disgusting matter. Sports fans are crazy loons... they sound like Trump supporters or members of ISIS. Denial, hatred, more denial, and living in a fantasy world.
2
Coach K was totally humiliated by Oregon's annihilation of Duke. He was the classless guy here, not the Oregon player. For us UNC guys, that's never a surprise from K.
4
When unc self imposes punishment for decades of false classes and grades. As well as admits all wrong doing.then you may be taken seriously. That is more if a story than this .
If we are going to talk about integrity and honesty. Lets talk it.
If we are going to talk about integrity and honesty. Lets talk it.
4
Some readers miss the point.
Coach K is not an imperial coach because in a moment of high emotion he made a comment to a player he should not have made. Coach K is an imperial coach because he blithely lied about it. He essentially called a young African-American player a liar because he believed -- as imperial coaches do -- that he should never be accused of wrong-doing because he is king. And usually the imperial coaches do get away with it.
Imperial Coach K just uses his power to lie about embarrassing incidents and suggest opposing players who tell the truth are dishonest. Other imperial coaches expect their assistants to overlook NCAA rules in order to recruit the best players and make sure they stay academically eligible (even if they aren't actually getting a real college education). What they have in common is the expectation that no one should ever question them, and if they are questioned, no need to tell the truth.
It just so happened that this incident was recorded. There is no reason to think that Coach K would not have continued to lie about this -- and continued to characterize a truthful player as a liar -- if it had not.
Did Coach K apologize for lying? Or did he just apologize for his emotional exchange with a player, knowing that as an imperial coach, his lies are enabled until there is video proof, and even then excused by people who don't value honesty?
Coach K is not an imperial coach because in a moment of high emotion he made a comment to a player he should not have made. Coach K is an imperial coach because he blithely lied about it. He essentially called a young African-American player a liar because he believed -- as imperial coaches do -- that he should never be accused of wrong-doing because he is king. And usually the imperial coaches do get away with it.
Imperial Coach K just uses his power to lie about embarrassing incidents and suggest opposing players who tell the truth are dishonest. Other imperial coaches expect their assistants to overlook NCAA rules in order to recruit the best players and make sure they stay academically eligible (even if they aren't actually getting a real college education). What they have in common is the expectation that no one should ever question them, and if they are questioned, no need to tell the truth.
It just so happened that this incident was recorded. There is no reason to think that Coach K would not have continued to lie about this -- and continued to characterize a truthful player as a liar -- if it had not.
Did Coach K apologize for lying? Or did he just apologize for his emotional exchange with a player, knowing that as an imperial coach, his lies are enabled until there is video proof, and even then excused by people who don't value honesty?
4
he apologized because he got caught, nothing more, otherwise without the audio tape he would have continued to lie.
2
Yesterday at Torah study when the conversation turned to ways to positive correct someone's behavior I raised my hand.
"This reminds me of something that has been on my mind for the past couple of days," I began. "You know the University of Oregon is in the national college basketball championships and defeated Duke the other night.
“That's wonderful,” the Rabbi interrupted, "I'm waiting to hear the connection." And she laughed along with the other congregants.
“This isn’t about the game," I continued, explaining the circumstances and adding, “It was a very teachable moment, I thought."
"Yes, the rabbi said, "and a lesson that young man is likely to remember."
I agree. I am by nature someone who pulls for the underdog. I grew up in Brooklyn in the 1950s hating the Yankees and rooting for anyone playing Notre Dame. It has been easy to add Duke to my collection of betes noire. But I do not concur with Rhoden’s assessment. Yes it broke one convention about advising another team' player, to call out the violation of another about pouring salt on an opponent's wounds. But it was also very human and instructive and seemingly so unplanned and instinctive that he lied about it and then apologized for it.
I'll probably go back to hating Duke next year but I thought Krzyzewski got this right.
"This reminds me of something that has been on my mind for the past couple of days," I began. "You know the University of Oregon is in the national college basketball championships and defeated Duke the other night.
“That's wonderful,” the Rabbi interrupted, "I'm waiting to hear the connection." And she laughed along with the other congregants.
“This isn’t about the game," I continued, explaining the circumstances and adding, “It was a very teachable moment, I thought."
"Yes, the rabbi said, "and a lesson that young man is likely to remember."
I agree. I am by nature someone who pulls for the underdog. I grew up in Brooklyn in the 1950s hating the Yankees and rooting for anyone playing Notre Dame. It has been easy to add Duke to my collection of betes noire. But I do not concur with Rhoden’s assessment. Yes it broke one convention about advising another team' player, to call out the violation of another about pouring salt on an opponent's wounds. But it was also very human and instructive and seemingly so unplanned and instinctive that he lied about it and then apologized for it.
I'll probably go back to hating Duke next year but I thought Krzyzewski got this right.
5
If any of the commentators played collegiate level basketball or attended the Five Star Basketball Camp, they would understand Coach K's admonishment to Dillon Brooks. Great coaches are great teachers. Play with class and style and behave like a gentleman on and off the court.
4
For 9 million dollars/year, he should show a lot more grace and class.
2
You explained to your Rabbi that Coach K essentially called a player a "liar" by denying he had said what what the player truthfully stated was said. And the Rabbi thought it was okay because when Coach K was caught with unimpeachable evidence that the player he had implied was lying was actually telling the truth, he apologized?
Really? That is the lesson? Somehow I suspect you are mischaracterizing the approval that your Rabbi has for not just lying, but lying in such a way that you are intentionally implying that a truthful young man is a liar. It's all okay as long as if you get caught, you apologize?
Really? That is the lesson? Somehow I suspect you are mischaracterizing the approval that your Rabbi has for not just lying, but lying in such a way that you are intentionally implying that a truthful young man is a liar. It's all okay as long as if you get caught, you apologize?
2
I was a sophomore at Duke when Coach K was hired. No one foresaw the success he would have, or even thought it possible at the time. He has built the Duke brand beyond our wildest dreams over the years and has and gained a fair amount of influence, but he's not an emperor coach. He has always been deferential to the academic leadership of the University and mindful of the appropriate role of athletics at the school.
4
The worst part of this is that, when initially approached about what he said, Coach K lied. If it hadn't been recorded, then it would have been Coach K's version versus Dillon's. I'm just happy the young man was vindicated. The apology itself is hollow, meaningless. Who cares?
Shame on Coach K. No wonder so many college fans can't stand the Dookies, or more appropriately, their dishonest (and imperial) head coach.
Shame on Coach K. No wonder so many college fans can't stand the Dookies, or more appropriately, their dishonest (and imperial) head coach.
6
Big deal. Just trying to make a future pro professional. There must be a more important topic in sports to focus on. How about improving the foul rules and how a basket is counted in college basketball?
2
this is important.. calling another player a liar, then only to apologize because there was an audio tape proving the players side of it. The during the past season Coach "K" allowed his players to do the same- in 7 games, without admonishment!!! Hypocrisy is the accurate word for his actions.
2
This is a strange article. Coach K represents the very BEST of college athletics. In every way! To suggest he's an "imperial" coach and somehow bad for the game is ignoring everything the man does. His players worship him, as do his opponents, and most everyone who plays basketball. Why? Because he wins thru dedication to building a culture, and building up his players. Duke athletes study hard, are role models, etc. Could you pick a worse target for the "imperial" coaches take??
His comments to Brooks were constructive, and meant to HELP. And Brools himself took them as such. He got it! End of story.
Agree it's a bit odd that Coach K denied making the comments, but in the heat of battle, stuff happens. He owned up to it later and apologized to everyone, but the ballboy.
Coach K is a GREAT coach. Period.
His comments to Brooks were constructive, and meant to HELP. And Brools himself took them as such. He got it! End of story.
Agree it's a bit odd that Coach K denied making the comments, but in the heat of battle, stuff happens. He owned up to it later and apologized to everyone, but the ballboy.
Coach K is a GREAT coach. Period.
6
Coach K never "owned up" to it. It turned out there was audio proving that he himself was the liar, not the young player whose reputation he had intentionally smeared to save his own.
He is a "great" coach unless he needs to lie to save his own reputation. And if that means he has to call an honest player a liar, I guess that's what "great" coaches do. But great men (and women) do not.
He is a "great" coach unless he needs to lie to save his own reputation. And if that means he has to call an honest player a liar, I guess that's what "great" coaches do. But great men (and women) do not.
3
This dialog seems like a recitation of Republican v Democrat talking points. As a former D-1 player who participated in two NCAA tournaments I have asked myself whose input matters most here. My sense is that It's the player's reaction that should be listened to. Brooks recognized that there was something to what Coach K said to him. He seemingly responded respectfully. Unfortunately the voracious media will milk this for every paragraph and sound bite they can scavenge from it. I'd appreciate it if this fine writer would just continue to follow the more obvious wrongs in the sport today. First and foremost, we can all now pay attention to the barn dance of coaches moving out of and into jobs--the barns are festooned with dollars while the kids can barely manage to get laundry money.
5
Brooks recognized that there was something to what Coach K said to him and did respond respectfully.
However, that didn't stop Coach K from calling him a liar because Coach K was embarrassed that he had mentioned the hot dogging at all. (Perhaps because his own players had shot 3 point shots in similar circumstances - more than once).
At any rate, Coach K chose to call a truthful young man a liar rather to own up to what was - at worst - a defensible but possibly embarrassing action. And he didn't think better of it because he recognized how wrong he was. He got caught because there was audio that made to clear to the public which person was the liar and which one wasn't.
However, that didn't stop Coach K from calling him a liar because Coach K was embarrassed that he had mentioned the hot dogging at all. (Perhaps because his own players had shot 3 point shots in similar circumstances - more than once).
At any rate, Coach K chose to call a truthful young man a liar rather to own up to what was - at worst - a defensible but possibly embarrassing action. And he didn't think better of it because he recognized how wrong he was. He got caught because there was audio that made to clear to the public which person was the liar and which one wasn't.
3
Exactly what is wrong with taking every shot you get? Isn't that what winners do? "Un-sportsmanlike" ... whatever.
1
Why write about this on a day that North Carolina is being allowed to play for a berth in the Final Four -- despite charges of impermissible benefits and a lack of institutional control for decades of cheating to keep basketball players and others eligible.
To cite just one disgraceful episode -- Rashad McCants was put on the UNC dean's list in 2005 -- a year that UNC won a national championship. But McCants has admitted he did virtually no work and attended no classes on his way to being lauded with the university's elite as a dean's list scholar.
How shoddy. What a disgrace. And for Coach Roy Williams to claim he believed McCants, who once equated college to "like being in jail" really made all As to earn a spot on the dean's list is laughable.
To cite just one disgraceful episode -- Rashad McCants was put on the UNC dean's list in 2005 -- a year that UNC won a national championship. But McCants has admitted he did virtually no work and attended no classes on his way to being lauded with the university's elite as a dean's list scholar.
How shoddy. What a disgrace. And for Coach Roy Williams to claim he believed McCants, who once equated college to "like being in jail" really made all As to earn a spot on the dean's list is laughable.
6
When I was a Duke student in the early 1990s, the student newspaper ran a set of articles critical of the men's team. Krzyzewski called the student reporters into a closed meeting at Cameron Stadium where he berated them for their work. The critical articles immediately stopped.
"Imperial" is an apt term for someone who intimidates college students to control the press about his team.
"Imperial" is an apt term for someone who intimidates college students to control the press about his team.
10
Of course! And if it means he has to imply that an honest young basketball player is a liar, he won't hesitate to do so.
Now that we know that Coach K only feels obligated to tell the truth if he is caught red handed, and has no problem calling honest critics "liars", I wonder how many times he lied like that when there wasn't audiotape evidence that the only liar was him?
Now that we know that Coach K only feels obligated to tell the truth if he is caught red handed, and has no problem calling honest critics "liars", I wonder how many times he lied like that when there wasn't audiotape evidence that the only liar was him?
3
William C. Rhoden and and the greats, Michael Powell and Tyler Kepner and George Vecsey, are old school in their desire to feature the vital personal quality of an athlete. Young Mary Pilon tried her best.
If sports reporting does not manage to find its way to the vital personal qualities of coaches, the schools, and the athletes... the reporting is without purpose.
Mike Krzyzewski violated the code of ethics, and many of the comments here think that's just fine. The Deity of Duke, the Emperor Coach, Coach K, the big ticket wage earner for Duke Univeristy with Wall Street's flavor with Bob Steele on the board... is coaching in a troubled institution. Massively troubled.
Worse, they do not know how troubled they are.
Which is why Michael Powell, Tyler Kepner, George Vecsey and William C. Rhoden must chase and chase these issues.
Our children look up to these people - when there is so little there to admire.
These are false Gods... that will not survive scrutiny.
Let's push the reset button and take a fresh look at athletics.
Our children and the nation are at stake...
Last, we have Russia. Is Putin directing the process? Why all the killings? Who is paying attention to the death in Washington, DC?
Are sports rigged? Is Russia running a syndicate? Is Putin leading a mafiosi that will bribe athletes to throw the game?
And what about continued use of drugs in sports? In tennis? In track?
We have lost our way in so many areas.
If sports reporting does not manage to find its way to the vital personal qualities of coaches, the schools, and the athletes... the reporting is without purpose.
Mike Krzyzewski violated the code of ethics, and many of the comments here think that's just fine. The Deity of Duke, the Emperor Coach, Coach K, the big ticket wage earner for Duke Univeristy with Wall Street's flavor with Bob Steele on the board... is coaching in a troubled institution. Massively troubled.
Worse, they do not know how troubled they are.
Which is why Michael Powell, Tyler Kepner, George Vecsey and William C. Rhoden must chase and chase these issues.
Our children look up to these people - when there is so little there to admire.
These are false Gods... that will not survive scrutiny.
Let's push the reset button and take a fresh look at athletics.
Our children and the nation are at stake...
Last, we have Russia. Is Putin directing the process? Why all the killings? Who is paying attention to the death in Washington, DC?
Are sports rigged? Is Russia running a syndicate? Is Putin leading a mafiosi that will bribe athletes to throw the game?
And what about continued use of drugs in sports? In tennis? In track?
We have lost our way in so many areas.
1
Mr Rhoden, I must comment and inform you that Coach K cannot be judged by one ill-advised moment. His educational center here in Durham provides unparalleled educational support and sends hundreds of kids all the way through college. That is the basis for his stature here, as well as his serious mentoring of all the players in his program.
4
and refuses to discipline his own player when he repeatedly trips opponents.
3
I invite the defenders of Coach K on this comment thread to provide examples of Duke teams not taking a shot in this circumstance. I would like to know how often Duke eats the shot clock violation or hands the ball over the ref when they are leading handily in games. There is enormous hypocrisy among those of you pointing out the 'poor sportsmanship' of Oregon considering Duke teams are known to rout teams quite often. But that's just Duke being the better team, right? What an absurd double standard.
Coach K had no business taking up such a trivial issue with that player in that setting. If taking that long range, low percentage shot after killing as much of the clock as possible was such an affront, address it with the man in charge - the coach. Could you imagine his reaction or that of his fanbase if Roy Williams or Bill Self or Calipari said something to his player in the same manner?
Moreover, and most importantly, he chose to lie about what he said when asked about the incident. He apologized formerly only after CBS released the audio of the exchange. There is a rich irony in K telling an opposing player he is 'better than that.'
Coach K had no business taking up such a trivial issue with that player in that setting. If taking that long range, low percentage shot after killing as much of the clock as possible was such an affront, address it with the man in charge - the coach. Could you imagine his reaction or that of his fanbase if Roy Williams or Bill Self or Calipari said something to his player in the same manner?
Moreover, and most importantly, he chose to lie about what he said when asked about the incident. He apologized formerly only after CBS released the audio of the exchange. There is a rich irony in K telling an opposing player he is 'better than that.'
13
Wow, let's all castigate Coach K for one potentially injudicious remark, which neither the player nor his father found particularly upsetting.
Coach K has a stellar record - 35 years of coaching at Duke, following several years of coaching at West Point. I have lost count of how many Olympic teams he has coached, and he is slated to coach yet again in the next Summer Olympics.
In over four decades, he has been consistently praised for requiring both responsible behavior and academic performance by his players. I hardly think that one remark is sufficient to brand him an "emperor coach," whatever that term is supposed to mean. It sounds like the writer has a vendetta against winning coaches that don't kowtow to his illustrious status as a sports reporter.
Coach K has a stellar record - 35 years of coaching at Duke, following several years of coaching at West Point. I have lost count of how many Olympic teams he has coached, and he is slated to coach yet again in the next Summer Olympics.
In over four decades, he has been consistently praised for requiring both responsible behavior and academic performance by his players. I hardly think that one remark is sufficient to brand him an "emperor coach," whatever that term is supposed to mean. It sounds like the writer has a vendetta against winning coaches that don't kowtow to his illustrious status as a sports reporter.
4
The bigger point here is that Coach K lied, and then got caught in the lie, and then and only then apologized. I don't care about his accomplishments here as that's not what's being reported. He lied, plain and simple. I don't think he's as dishonest as he is stupid though.
6
Since when is slandering a teenager as a liar, when it turns out you were lying though your teeth, not shameful enough to leave one crawling into a hole, much less continuing to coach college students as a supposed role model?
I thought I respected that guy - good to find out I was wrong.
I thought I respected that guy - good to find out I was wrong.
9
Thanks Erich. That's the way I was feeling. I've never liked Duke but have to give them and their coach proper due. But to lie and embarrass a player? Beneath contempt. For Dillon's sake and credibility, at least Coach K got caught. Now he's just another Bobby Knight wanna be.
3
You aren't supposed to shoot at the end of the game if you are about to win big. That's the bottom line. When the USA coach and multiple time national champion gives you advice the only thing to say is thank you.
2
You aren't supposed to call a truthful person a liar because you are embarrassed about doing something that another person reported honestly about.
It is a debatable point whether or not shooting at the end of the game is wrong or not. Obviously Duke players have done exactly the same thing so apparently Coach K's "lessons" don't extend to them. But Coach K is welcome to his opinion on whether it is wrong or not.
It is NOT a debatable point whether it is wrong to lie. Coach K lied. And what's worse, he did so in a way to imply that a player with far less power than he has was characterized as a liar.
An honest coach might have said that he told the player what he did because he believed "you aren't supposed to shoot at the end of the game if you are about to win big..." A dishonest coach would lie and say he said no such thing and obviously the player is the liar.
It is a debatable point whether or not shooting at the end of the game is wrong or not. Obviously Duke players have done exactly the same thing so apparently Coach K's "lessons" don't extend to them. But Coach K is welcome to his opinion on whether it is wrong or not.
It is NOT a debatable point whether it is wrong to lie. Coach K lied. And what's worse, he did so in a way to imply that a player with far less power than he has was characterized as a liar.
An honest coach might have said that he told the player what he did because he believed "you aren't supposed to shoot at the end of the game if you are about to win big..." A dishonest coach would lie and say he said no such thing and obviously the player is the liar.
2
Coach K has an individual on his team that needs to learn how to be a sportsman. Twice his little thug tried to trip players intentionally which could have ended their careers. Thankfully not the case either time. I understand that he has had other issues. Once coach K straightens his players out then, maybe, he can bestow his wealth of knowledge on the players of another team.
4
This one's not hard. The extra shot was poor sportsmanship. Always has been. The Oregon player and his coach have it wrong. The Duke coach has it right.
Used to be we had enough class to be ashamed when called out for an immature mistake. Not anymore. Now we attack the elder statesmen who used to teach us the right way to do things.
Used to be we had enough class to be ashamed when called out for an immature mistake. Not anymore. Now we attack the elder statesmen who used to teach us the right way to do things.
3
We attack the elder statesmen who lie.
But is used to be we had enough class to be ashamed when called out for a lie. Now we attack anyone who calls out dishonesty.
No wonder the Republican Party is in the state it is in. It isn't surprising that Coach K is a big Republican donor.
But is used to be we had enough class to be ashamed when called out for a lie. Now we attack anyone who calls out dishonesty.
No wonder the Republican Party is in the state it is in. It isn't surprising that Coach K is a big Republican donor.
2
You aren't supposed to shoot at the end of the game if you are about to win big. That's the bottom line. When the USA coach and multiple time national champion gives you advice the only thing to say is thank you.
2
Face it. America's college star system is about money, big money.
The star system is about big shot coaches, not about sportsmanship, certainly not about education, not raising young leaders that understand the values we hold dear in this nation.
Sports as covered by sports writers will probe drug use and performance.
When has a sports writer featured the decency of a good athlete on campus?
When has an athlete been cited for giving and giving and giving... to the handicapped?
The star system is about big shot coaches, not about sportsmanship, certainly not about education, not raising young leaders that understand the values we hold dear in this nation.
Sports as covered by sports writers will probe drug use and performance.
When has a sports writer featured the decency of a good athlete on campus?
When has an athlete been cited for giving and giving and giving... to the handicapped?
2
Coach K should act like he's been there before
4
Coach K finally exposed as the fraud that he is.
9
This bizarre "rules" about bat flipping at extraordinary moments and (OMG!!) taking a shot at the basket when you have the ball make no sense. What's the difference what the margin of Duke's defeat is unless you have money on the game - and good for any player who messes up the hopes of a gambler! Did the player trash talk? Apparently not. Did he run a play that might have injured one of his opponents? No. He took a shot! Let it go, Mr. K. As your apology indicates, you were way out of line on this one.
6
Another Rhoden piece that demonstrates that sports writers serve no useful purpose, at least at the New York Times. Whatever happened to that Anderson guy?
8
Taking the shot after play- offense & defense- had stopped to let the clock run out was bush league as is this silly article.
5
The shot clock was ahead of the game clock.
1
It's bad form all around. He shouldn't have taken the shot, K should not have said anything to the player, and the Oregon coach shouldn't have told him to shoot it. I'm not sure K is supposed to bigger than the other two. (He's not really.) If anything, he should say something to the coach and let him deal with his players.
4
Oh, the poor suffering prima donna coach. He'll still make his millions while the players get nothing and please don't tell me they are getting an "education" in exchange for their services.
5
It was no doubt an emotional moment for Coach Krzyzewski, his team suffering a tough loss. His comment should be understood in that context. Mr Rhoden's article is only incidental to the game and his efforts to associate Coach Krzyzewski's conduct with Bob Knight reflect very badly indeed on Mr Rhoden. I suspect that there is more than a little jealousy on his part involved.
5
In the public relations trade this is called deflection and distraction. Unless Duke is paying you an outrageous fee, why dabble in sewer repair?
5
Because, like a lot of people, including a great many of his fellow coaches and former players, I have a great deal of respect for Coach Krzyzewski. To equate Mike Krzyzewski to Bob Knight is in my opinion a variant of gutter politics through guilt by association. And no, I am not in the "public relations trade" so I will have to yield to your expertise in that area.
1
Coach K was an assistant to Bob Knight. On more than one occasion he has said among his aspirations is to emulate his mentor and his success as a coach. Variant of gutter politics? Only if you are ill-informed, uninformed, or misinformed or simply prefer to ignore the facts. You do exhibit a penchant for faith but that doesn't mitigate your use of deflection and distraction, whether or not it's in the service of public relations or defending the credibility of your preferred deity.
5
coach K is an excellent coach--but he is like that old generation of parents who thinks he should meddle in everything and everyone's business. He is much more respectful than Bobby Knight, for sure--who isn't?--but coach K irritates the heck out of me with his holier than thou attitude.
This incident is just one more example of that. And he has that smug look on his face nearly all the time. He built a great program, but he doesn't seem to think that others don't care what he thinks regarding their own program.
This incident is just one more example of that. And he has that smug look on his face nearly all the time. He built a great program, but he doesn't seem to think that others don't care what he thinks regarding their own program.
1
Coach K had some great advice for this kid so I don't understand why it wasn't his business to pass in valuable wisdom that his current coach obviously had not. Self serving dances in the end zone, strutting downfield while punching your chest after a dunk or a sack is so annoying that I have seriously limited the time I spend watching two games that used to be about teamwork but are now all about mework.
40
Coach K accused the player of being a liar.
What is the more valuable lesson? Don't celebrate a victory? Or if you get caught doing something embarrassing, lie about it and accuse the person telling the truth of being the liar. And of course, demonstrating that the more powerful person will always be believed unless the video reveals the blatant lie.
What is the more valuable lesson? Don't celebrate a victory? Or if you get caught doing something embarrassing, lie about it and accuse the person telling the truth of being the liar. And of course, demonstrating that the more powerful person will always be believed unless the video reveals the blatant lie.
4
If you look at the video, it hardly seems like Coach K was berating the player or that the player was offended. Coach was giving him a tip, it appears, his opinion about game decorum. The player ought to be proud that Coach K thought enough about him to say something. But in today's world, anything the press can do to smear anyone successful, it can and will do.
2
Exactly. The player never said that Coach K berated him. He gave an honest description of what the Coach said to him.
But Coach K's reaction was to lie. Not just lie, but accuse the player of lying. And he only admitted to the lie because there was audio proof that he had lied.
That's what makes him "imperial". He believes he can lie whenever he wants. And apparently, with people like you angry because someone dared to point out how dishonest Coach K was and call it a "smear", Coach K is right. He should be able to lie whenever he wants and his supporters will cheer him on.
But Coach K's reaction was to lie. Not just lie, but accuse the player of lying. And he only admitted to the lie because there was audio proof that he had lied.
That's what makes him "imperial". He believes he can lie whenever he wants. And apparently, with people like you angry because someone dared to point out how dishonest Coach K was and call it a "smear", Coach K is right. He should be able to lie whenever he wants and his supporters will cheer him on.
1
Coach K...sore loser and liar...unbecoming but then again look what actions he has condoned on his own team. Apples don't fall far from this tree. Glad he was caught lying. Tells a lot about him and his program.
7
Can anyone remember a time when a Coach K team ran up a score on a clearly-outmatched opponent? Too many to count? Something here about people living in glass houses seems appropriate.
There are good reasons why so many March Madness Fans evaluate their annual brackets as being successful if the ultimate winner is "Anyone but Duke!". Kinda like the current "Anyone but Trump" campaign!
There are good reasons why so many March Madness Fans evaluate their annual brackets as being successful if the ultimate winner is "Anyone but Duke!". Kinda like the current "Anyone but Trump" campaign!
2
Among college basketball fans, there are those who swear by Coach K, and those who swear at him.
As a Carolina alum and Carolina fan, I'm firmly in the "at" category--frankly--I can't stand him or the "Cameron Crazies" who to me are the very definition of unsportsmanlike behavior.
That said--I'm hard pressed to see what the big deal is here.
As a Carolina alum and Carolina fan, I'm firmly in the "at" category--frankly--I can't stand him or the "Cameron Crazies" who to me are the very definition of unsportsmanlike behavior.
That said--I'm hard pressed to see what the big deal is here.
4
The "unwritten" rule is, you don't shoot if the shot clock is off. If the shot clock is running, a shot is expected, and Duke took shots in blowout wins with shotclock running down multiple times this year. He took a really long shot, not expecting to make it, but just to avoid a shot clock violation. K was likely more upset about him celebrating it, but hey, most kids will celebrate making a 35 footer. K lied. THAT's the issue. His good way outweighs the bad, but he was definitely, totally in the wrong here. BTW, I'm a Duke grad and fan.
6
What an absurd article. Nothing in the article remotely supports the proposition that Coach K is an "imperial" coach (whatever that means). I saw the interaction. In no respect was it a "dressing down." Brooks certainly didn't see it as such, as he was gracious to K during the interaction and appreciative of the coach's advice afterwards. There is nothing wrong with someone of K's stature telling another player, whom he obviously respects, "You don't need to showboat under those circumstances. You're a great player." That's exactly what K did. To call this a dressing down or "imperial" is nonsense. To even mention this in the same breath as a Bobby Knight tirade or a cheating scandal only reveals the writer's bias and ignorance.
"Strike a blow for free speech"? A fittingly inappropriate and nonsensical ending to a sophomoric screed.
"Strike a blow for free speech"? A fittingly inappropriate and nonsensical ending to a sophomoric screed.
6
How about the lying about it element? That's what the real storu is.
1
We're talking about teenagers who make millions of dollars for coaches and the NCAA but never see a dime unless they go on to the pros, which most do not. Why add to that exploitation by lying over something relatively minor. Heck, a good chunk of the comments here are defending his actions, saying he's just "old school" teaching these kids some manners.
Well, he lied because he knew he'd done something inappropriate.
Well, he lied because he knew he'd done something inappropriate.
5
I'm sorry but I agree with Coach K. Now I'm older, and I grew up when it was acceptable, no encouraged, that other adults in my neighborhood would correct any behavior that was unacceptable. They had the approval of all our neighbors to talk to us when we misbehaved. Now I don't think Dillon Brooks misbehaved per se, but Coach K, I think, just wanted to "school" him on proper basketball etiquette. That's what adults do. He didn't yell, in fact he told Dillon, in fact complimented him, that he was "to good a player" to be doing that.
Now I am disappointed that Coach K denied he had said anything, but I'm glad he thought about it and apologized. I understand that college basketball is a business, but teaching is part of the job and teaching isn't limited to how to shoot a ball or run a play. It also entails how to comport yourself in life and Coach K is one of the best teachers and examples of living that kind of life.
Now I am disappointed that Coach K denied he had said anything, but I'm glad he thought about it and apologized. I understand that college basketball is a business, but teaching is part of the job and teaching isn't limited to how to shoot a ball or run a play. It also entails how to comport yourself in life and Coach K is one of the best teachers and examples of living that kind of life.
38
You agree with Coach K but are disappointed that he lied and under duress acknowledged he lied and on national media stigmatized a young man he had no reason to? And you think Coach K is "one of the best teachers and examples of living that kind of life."
And what kind of life is that precisely? Running for the Republican nomination for president?
Or maybe you just wanted to ridicule Andrew Jackson and Democrats by paying homage to arrogance and self-serving lies.
Sorry indeed.
And what kind of life is that precisely? Running for the Republican nomination for president?
Or maybe you just wanted to ridicule Andrew Jackson and Democrats by paying homage to arrogance and self-serving lies.
Sorry indeed.
1
Here's how coach K comported himself: he lied about what he said to a college kid, thus implying that the kid was a liar. Unless you think that being a liar is part of being a good man - which you very well might in this day and age - then your comment is deranged.
3
He didn't "think about it" he was caught in a bald-faced lie. There is a difference - and a BIG difference at that!
2
That young man would be wise to consider that comment constructively, and it sounds like he has.
In this age of inmates running the asylum, where so many are turned off by "look at me" antics regardless of the team situation and self brand building in many pro sports, the advice was right on and I don't think it had anything to do with the last shot. As for what he said or said to any of his own players....nobody on this board, certainly not WCR, knows. He has their attention for more time than an after game send off.
at least in college, it should be about athletics and sportsmanship.
Keep "Me bein' me" for the playgrounds.
In this age of inmates running the asylum, where so many are turned off by "look at me" antics regardless of the team situation and self brand building in many pro sports, the advice was right on and I don't think it had anything to do with the last shot. As for what he said or said to any of his own players....nobody on this board, certainly not WCR, knows. He has their attention for more time than an after game send off.
at least in college, it should be about athletics and sportsmanship.
Keep "Me bein' me" for the playgrounds.
4
I sense a double standard when it comes to Duke basketball and Coach K. Any misstep is pounced on, even after an apology.
6
When coach lied about what he said to that player he should have remembered his Honor Code from the USMA.
If he had lied like that as to what he said to that player as a new pleb he would have been punished.
If he made the same lie as a senior if would have been kicked out of school in disgrace.
A USNA grad would have remembered that. Sadly he did not.
Beat Army
If he had lied like that as to what he said to that player as a new pleb he would have been punished.
If he made the same lie as a senior if would have been kicked out of school in disgrace.
A USNA grad would have remembered that. Sadly he did not.
Beat Army
7
it's only a game. But a liar, is a liar, is a liar. And a sore loser is a graceless loser.
8
So the real issue to me is the lie told by Coach K. Whats that old saying -character lost is much harder to regain than character kept. Oh well it's not like Coach K is someone of great import anyway. He'll have to live with this and answer why while recruiting in the future. Good luck with that...
5
There are real problems out there in this world, serious ones that deserve our attention. This is not and does not.
4
Myopia is a serious problem. So is a presidential campaign remarkable for the depth of lies and the eagerness with which so many exult in hearing and repeating them. Not a real problem?
Ahhh Modern America - this smacks of the Emperor CEO that gets showered with scads of money and can do no wrong. When they are caught lying, philandering and/or abusing the public trust they leap out with their golden parachute to the tune of millions of dollars.
The bottom line is that these guys are Not.That.Great. There is plenty of talent, that is younger, has less ego and and commands less money, than these prancing dilettantes. Duke would do well to sack him.
The bottom line is that these guys are Not.That.Great. There is plenty of talent, that is younger, has less ego and and commands less money, than these prancing dilettantes. Duke would do well to sack him.
2
"I reacted incorrectly to a reporter's question..." - Coach K's response to the fact he has been caught in a bald-faced lie. "I didn't say that." Then the audio proves he did say that. To me the worst part of this is that by denying his own statement he labels Oregon player Brooks as a liar. Who is the public going to believe? - A twenty year old college basketball player or the world renowned and respected Mike Krzyzewski?
I have lost all respect for the man.
I have lost all respect for the man.
11
Shame on Coach K! Trying to invoke class in basketball. Who does he think he is? This is how diversity expresses itself. This is a cultural expression of art. This is the new America. Sportsmanship went out with the Marquis of Queensbury. Long live the dearth of respect in competition!
3
I guess this is heresy but why do college sports mean so much? The students are not better because the team wins, the school's academic finances are not directly improved by intercollegiate sports. Isn't it just an adjunct (although in some schools perhaps the main) activity? Tail has been wagging the dog for so long everyone seems to be okay with it. So politics are not the only issue that is off the rails now, collegiate sports is also a net negative to the academic mission.
Money is why it matters. The NBA uses the elite schools as farm teams with the one and done system. It's brilliant, really. What corporation wouldn't love to outsource training costs to another company and then choose from the cream of the crop?
The NCAA uses collegiate sports to make millions without paying those who make them millions. The NCAA uses the "free education" excuse to exploit their workers.
The schools do get a substantial amount of money. Not enough to ward off the budget cuts from nutty tea party governors but it's still a lot of dough.
The NCAA uses collegiate sports to make millions without paying those who make them millions. The NCAA uses the "free education" excuse to exploit their workers.
The schools do get a substantial amount of money. Not enough to ward off the budget cuts from nutty tea party governors but it's still a lot of dough.
2
A few points on this:
1) Coach K has become a mythical figure in America by simply being the head basketball coach at an elite private college, where he can recruit the best players thanks to that school's reputation and its ability to get on TV all the time. I would love to see how well Coach K would do at another school. At Army, his alma mater and his first head coaching spot, he had mixed results, a 20 win season and a 9-17 season. But because he is Coach K and wins with the many of the best players in the country, many of us hold him in high esteem.
2) He should not have said anything to the Oregon player. Not his call and, frankly, he has enough problems to deal with over time, including Christian Laettner's attitude years back and the current guard and his tripping issues. Duke lost...um, make that Duke got blown out...and he should shake hands with the opposing players and walk away.
3) I think it is time that William Rhoden become color blind. As others have noted here, he seems quick to make a point about white players and coaches, but is the first one to stand out for some less then reputable black athletes, coaches, etc. The way i look at it, there are good and bad athletes of all colors out there.
1) Coach K has become a mythical figure in America by simply being the head basketball coach at an elite private college, where he can recruit the best players thanks to that school's reputation and its ability to get on TV all the time. I would love to see how well Coach K would do at another school. At Army, his alma mater and his first head coaching spot, he had mixed results, a 20 win season and a 9-17 season. But because he is Coach K and wins with the many of the best players in the country, many of us hold him in high esteem.
2) He should not have said anything to the Oregon player. Not his call and, frankly, he has enough problems to deal with over time, including Christian Laettner's attitude years back and the current guard and his tripping issues. Duke lost...um, make that Duke got blown out...and he should shake hands with the opposing players and walk away.
3) I think it is time that William Rhoden become color blind. As others have noted here, he seems quick to make a point about white players and coaches, but is the first one to stand out for some less then reputable black athletes, coaches, etc. The way i look at it, there are good and bad athletes of all colors out there.
5
Does Coach K watch other games from home and then call players who he thinks made mistakes during the game? Obviously not. His intent here was to demean the player with a passive-aggressive comment. It was clearly out-of-bounds and should have been directed to the coach, if directed anywhere at all. He really should have kept his mouth shut.
Does Coach K welcome other coaches to pass along judgments directly to his Duke players? Doubtful.
To then lie about what he said does, in fact, stink of imperialism. Has he earned such entitlement to do or say whatever he likes with no consequences? I do not think any person is above such behavior, particularly when he is in a position to act as a model for young athletes.
Since you are obviously a judgmental person, Coach, shame on you!
Does Coach K welcome other coaches to pass along judgments directly to his Duke players? Doubtful.
To then lie about what he said does, in fact, stink of imperialism. Has he earned such entitlement to do or say whatever he likes with no consequences? I do not think any person is above such behavior, particularly when he is in a position to act as a model for young athletes.
Since you are obviously a judgmental person, Coach, shame on you!
6
I'm troubled by the "facial expression" part. Is that professional interviewing? Is that supposed to not antagonize the interviewee? Sounds like we have an "imperial reporter" issue as well.
3
Mr. Rhonen couldn't be more off base in his article about Coach Krzyewski. Comparing Coach K in any way to Bobby Knight is absolutely ridiculous. Bobby Knight (he doesn't deserve the honorific Mr.) was a complete "orifice" as a coach and Coach K. is and has almost always been a gentleman and a sportsman. Bobby Knight had no idea of what sportsmanship was and his behavior was pathological much of the time. Finally, in my opinion, Mr. Rhoden owes Coack K an apology because he was so off base in this article.
HG
HG
3
Calling out a hypocritical liar is off base?
2
Well at least he didn't punch him, like Woody Hayes did to an opposing player in the Gator Bowl.
1
Why does America side-step calling pathological narcissism what it is?
Without discussion of it, there's no way to devalue immodesty.
Without discussion of it, there's no way to devalue immodesty.
4
As usual, it's not the crime, it's the coverup. Bigger story is he lied, and implied the player was lying. That's seriously poor sportsmanship.
8
Being a graduate and fan of the UMD, I am biased in matters pertaining to coach K. He is a great coach, he gets a pass on many things because of this. I will note that there has been only one article written (that I have seen) concerning the KS guard that made an uncontested layup with .5 seconds left with a 14 point lead at the end of the UMD game as the UMD players were walking towards the handshake line. Which was worse - the 3 point shot with an 11 point lead and 30 seconds or an undefended layup with < 1 second and nobody defending? I only point out the UMD situation because nobody actually cares. It did not matter. It was unnecessary, but no big deal. I don't think anybody from UMD had anything to say about it. The difference is that coach K thinks because of his stature he is entitled. He is entitled to coach other teams players, he is entitled to dictate to ESPN who they should schedule in the B1G-ACC challenge, he is entitled - he is an Emperer coach, the article has it correct.
7
They are overpaid bullies. Shame on universities who enable them.
1
Give me a break. Your own quote sums up the story, "a mountain out of a molehill."
3
Krzyzewski is a great coach and a good man. He made a mistake.
I read a long story about him in Sports Illustrated about how he recruited and personally taught one of his star players. I had no idea how much was involved beyond making substitutions, calling time outs and so on, that we can all do at home.
I think college coaching is harder than pro coaching because you have talented very young kids, and they need to be taught.
In terms of benefit of the doubt, Duke had just lost a tournament game and their season was over. It must have been very disappointing, and Coach K did screw up. Should have just said, "good game."
I read a long story about him in Sports Illustrated about how he recruited and personally taught one of his star players. I had no idea how much was involved beyond making substitutions, calling time outs and so on, that we can all do at home.
I think college coaching is harder than pro coaching because you have talented very young kids, and they need to be taught.
In terms of benefit of the doubt, Duke had just lost a tournament game and their season was over. It must have been very disappointing, and Coach K did screw up. Should have just said, "good game."
4
When Brooks shot the ball, Oregon was up by 11 and the game was ending. Typically at this point, teams hold the ball or throw it up in the air. It’s called respecting the game. It’s called good sportsmanship.
Krzyzewski gave Brooks feedback on his sportsmanship at the end of the game, and Brooks received it in a respectful manner. Krzyzewski did not accurately recall his conversation with Brooks, but Krzyzewski did apologize for giving Brooks any feedback at all. Emperors don’t apologize.
It is totally unfair and frankly a smear, based on this one instance, to call Krzyzewski an emperor. Calling the feedback that Krzyzewski gave Brooks, chastising, is not accurate. Calling Krzyzewski an emperor is just a clever way of calling him a racist. It is a ridiculous, unfair, and outrageous claim.
Krzyzewski gave Brooks feedback on his sportsmanship at the end of the game, and Brooks received it in a respectful manner. Krzyzewski did not accurately recall his conversation with Brooks, but Krzyzewski did apologize for giving Brooks any feedback at all. Emperors don’t apologize.
It is totally unfair and frankly a smear, based on this one instance, to call Krzyzewski an emperor. Calling the feedback that Krzyzewski gave Brooks, chastising, is not accurate. Calling Krzyzewski an emperor is just a clever way of calling him a racist. It is a ridiculous, unfair, and outrageous claim.
43
He did "throw it up in the air" and it went in the basket. The shot clock was going to expire before the game clock.
2
the game was not ending. the shot clock was still on. Brooks did nothing wrong.
2
Matt Bowan,
"Calling Krzyzewski an emperor is just a clever way of calling him a racist. It is a ridiculous, unfair, and outrageous claim."
Sir, you have cut through all the extraneous noise and struck at the heart of the issue. The author knew he couldn't use the more obvious "dog whistle" of "plantation owner" to impugne the coach and walked it back to "emperor" knowing full well the implication. What really is eating at Rhoden, is that a white man is making millions off of the backs of black athletes.
"Calling Krzyzewski an emperor is just a clever way of calling him a racist. It is a ridiculous, unfair, and outrageous claim."
Sir, you have cut through all the extraneous noise and struck at the heart of the issue. The author knew he couldn't use the more obvious "dog whistle" of "plantation owner" to impugne the coach and walked it back to "emperor" knowing full well the implication. What really is eating at Rhoden, is that a white man is making millions off of the backs of black athletes.
Unless you live on Tobacco Road and understand the depth of K's imperialism, you have no context to appreciate this article. This Brooks/lying incident is a drop in the bucket of K's history of Do as I Say, Not as I Do. Rhoden's piece is noteworthy because so few reporters are ever willing to cross that line of criticism about anything K does-- anything. He has always controlled his ACC pressers through blatant intimidation, humiliating reporters who dare to step out of line -- so yes, this article is important and frankly, brave. Few in the media have been willing or able to shout, But he has no clothes! (And I raise the analogy in regards to his code of behavior, not his skills as a coach, which are unimpeachable.)
93
would you like to give some examples of his bad behavior, rather just making a general slur?
5
Where is the concern that this bastion of coaching lied clearly and often about his comment to a student? What kind of role model is this guy? To me, the bigger issue is lying and denying--put the blame on the kid, not the great one. The lesson to the student, 'make nice and you'll be ok; the truth is not important, image is'. One more example of the lie that is the NCAA- make money, don't care about the kids. Whether it's appropriate for a kid to take a shot regardless of time or score is more of an issue than the lack of honesty in a alleged national celebrity. Go figure.
8
I was never a fan of Bobby Knight who was a well known jerk. As a young black reporter, Rhoden asks Knight a question about his league's integration policies and then makes a face when Knight dismisses the question. Verdict, Knight was an emperor coach. Now let's go look for other examples, preferably white. Let's throw in Jim Boeheim for one but let's not go into detail but draw a bright line from Knight to him and then to Coach K. Rhoden should really be writing on the op-ed page.
2
In all sports that I'm familiar with, it's considered bad sportsmanship to show up the opposing person or team after they have been defeated. It just isn't done. I don't know why that is a surprise to the writer.
4
It's not about that. It's about K lying.
3
It was probably best that the comment wasn't made public. I would have thought the player would have been embarrassed. Maybe it would have been better if the comment was kept between the two.
High time Coach K was ditched. I'm even beginning to be ashamed of my Duke graduate degree!
2
He should have directed his remarks to the Duke mascot - as shown bowing down to him - and reminded all Dukies that he is not on a pedestal and above it all - but that would be hypocrisy for him.
4
This is news? Looks like the pc police are invading basketball now.
4
Doesn't it though.
2
Even a fish would be considered smart if he kept his mouth shut.
As the father of a Tar Heel and a friend of many Duke alum I have to think this writer had other more important topics to pick. Does this really fall within the "All the news that's fit to print" guideline?
10
After all, how can it possibly be news that Emperor Coach K will not hesitate to lie, when it suits him to.
7
Was the intent of this reporter to write about the sportsmanship expected of these young players, their coaches and the NCAA in general? I expect to read this in someone's blog NOT the New York Times. This article reads like this reporter has an issue with Duke, the coach or both. To single this blip out, and compare Krzyzewski to Knight (and no other 'emperor coach') is absurd, and sounds personal.
8
After all, if Coach K hasn't the right to lie, then no one else has the right to lie.
3
Writing a column comparing Coach K with Bobby Knight is like....I can't think of an apt simile. Knight was a thug. K made an indiscreet comment, tried to cover it up, then apologized to everyone involved. File and forget. As for Knight, he will be ever remembered for tossing a chair onto a basketball court and other incredible acts of anger.
9
it's called lying.
5
Was Bobby Knight ever caught in a lie and forced to apologize for it? Coach K has been.
3
Coach K could benefit by a visitation from the ghosts of Woody "Hates" and Joe "DarnedifIno".
If you don't know the "code" or "rule" not to run up the score when you have already won--then you learned nothing from playing ball --that's too bad--there are a lot of life lessons to be learned on the field,court and pitch.
3
The shot clock was about to expire, so he took the shot (which his own coach was telling him to do). What's he supposed to do -- turn it over to the other team so they can take some prayer of a shot as the game ends? That would be even more humiliating to Duke.
1
How do you think that coach K or, for that matter , his foul -mouthed, chair throwing mentor at the US Military Academy have reacted to another coach lecturing one of his players on good sportsmanship and then lying to the media. Tony Bennet was correct- this is a mountain over a molehill. Lying, however, is a character flaw as was not suspending Christian Laettner for stepping on a downed opponent or Grayson Allen for repeatedly tripping opponents. Couch K, in spite of all the money and brand recognition that you bring to Duke, this is your well deserved comeuppance.
8
You lie about a mountain, never about a molehill, K lied, that is the story, Duke has flawed leadership, not only K, think Duke lacrosse.
5
The Duke lacrosse team was accused of rape by an acknowledged prostitute that walked into one of their off-campus parties and apparently spied a chance to make money by lying. The team was cleared of all charges, yet the slur continues to circulate by people who apparently don't believe in the American standard of "innocent until proven guilty." While I don't support criminal behavior by athletes, or anyone else, I am tired of the perpetuation of a false accusation.
1
Pretty weak attempt to lump Coach K's actions as the same as the obviously more serious problems with Coach Knight, Syracuse, SMU, etc. Coach K may or may not have been wrong in speaking with another team's player, obviously he shouldn't have lied to the reported...but still seems like small issue compared to the more serious problems with coaching....and with a Coach who I don't recall anyone complaining about before.
5
"Pretty weak attempt to lump Coach K's actions as the same as the obviously more serious problems with Coach Knight, Syracuse, SMU, etc."
After all, Coach K is merely an admitted liar whose lie is the statement that he himself was the victim of a liar.
After all, Coach K is merely an admitted liar whose lie is the statement that he himself was the victim of a liar.
5
Would Coach K have done this to a player on a Kentucky (Calipari), Louisville (Pitino) , Syracuse (Boeheim) or Michigan State (Izzo) where they too have a hall of fame coach? No.
Would Coach K have addressed Marcus Paige of North Carolina if he had done the same? No.
Remember when you coached J.J. Redick? A cocky player prone to hand gestures after hitting a big 3.
Coach K showed the nation what a sore loser looks like. Instead of Oregon cruising into their Elite 8 game with swagger and confidence, they're forced to answer questions about toning down their emotion/passion, instead of how well they just played. Oregon just knocked off a perennial powerhouse and the defending national champion...sorry they hurt your feelings with a fist pump, Coack K. Coach your own team.
Would Coach K have addressed Marcus Paige of North Carolina if he had done the same? No.
Remember when you coached J.J. Redick? A cocky player prone to hand gestures after hitting a big 3.
Coach K showed the nation what a sore loser looks like. Instead of Oregon cruising into their Elite 8 game with swagger and confidence, they're forced to answer questions about toning down their emotion/passion, instead of how well they just played. Oregon just knocked off a perennial powerhouse and the defending national champion...sorry they hurt your feelings with a fist pump, Coack K. Coach your own team.
9
And as Knight did in a similar incident, Krzyzewski blatantly LIED about the event afterward, trying to huge his power and reputation, to humiliate a college kid and save face for himself!
Only when confronted with recordings, did Krzyzewski and Knight 'fess up to their actions.
Great "leaders" and men of character! Not really 'emperors', but little tin-pot dictators!
Only when confronted with recordings, did Krzyzewski and Knight 'fess up to their actions.
Great "leaders" and men of character! Not really 'emperors', but little tin-pot dictators!
14
>>>>
This is like arguing about what size the radius should be for the donut holes at DD's.
This is like arguing about what size the radius should be for the donut holes at DD's.
4
I suspect Coach K "lied" at the press conference because he didn't want to publicly criticize Brooks -- that would have been totally out of line.
I am not sure what Coach K should have said at the press conference. The response that he said "you are terrific player" is a half-truth, because that is more-or-less half of what Coach K said to Brooks. The other half of the truth -- "too good of a player to be showing off in the end” -- probably should not have been said in the first place and certainly not at the press conference.
I am not sure what Coach K should have said at the press conference. The response that he said "you are terrific player" is a half-truth, because that is more-or-less half of what Coach K said to Brooks. The other half of the truth -- "too good of a player to be showing off in the end” -- probably should not have been said in the first place and certainly not at the press conference.
2
"I suspect Coach K "lied" at the press conference because he didn't want to publicly criticize Brooks -- that would have been totally out of line."
If that was the case the case, then why didn't he simply say that, instead of apologizing publicly for "lying," K watcher? By what right did Coach K criticize Brooks *at all*, given that Brooks was not one of K's own players?
Oh, of course. If you're white, then you're right.
If that was the case the case, then why didn't he simply say that, instead of apologizing publicly for "lying," K watcher? By what right did Coach K criticize Brooks *at all*, given that Brooks was not one of K's own players?
Oh, of course. If you're white, then you're right.
2
It is a competitive sport and emotions are experienced that most people never dream of. I don't think he meant any malice by it and Coach K is a pillar in that community. These young men are still in school and to be reminded about sportsmanship by a legend like Coach K is an honor.
4
"These young men are still in school and to be reminded about sportsmanship by a legend like Coach K is an honor."
If it's an "honor" for a random black man to be taken to task by a white man, then why did Coach K publicly admit to having lied about having so "honored" a black man and do it jn such a way as to suggest that the black man was the liar?
If it's an "honor" for a random black man to be taken to task by a white man, then why did Coach K publicly admit to having lied about having so "honored" a black man and do it jn such a way as to suggest that the black man was the liar?
5
@ Lamont
When did you start singing the blues?
When did you start singing the blues?
1
Coach K didn't mean any malice when he essentially called the player a liar when it was he himself who was lying?
What's the most important lesson?
What's the most important lesson?
1
The shot at the end of the game was not rubbing it in or running it up. There was about a 6 second differential between the play clock and shot clock. The Oregon player dribbled just across the half court line until the shot clock was expiring and heaved up a long fling from about 30 feet and it rattled in. It did not appear to be bad sportsmanship to me.
On the other hand, the Coach from Duke chastising another team's player seems more unsportsmanlike than the shot that was clearly not an attempt to run up the score or embarrass anyone.
On the other hand, the Coach from Duke chastising another team's player seems more unsportsmanlike than the shot that was clearly not an attempt to run up the score or embarrass anyone.
10
And, in addition, Krzyzewski lied about his comment, effectively blaming the victim.
6
Bill, Two other Coach K comments deserve mention and give some insight into his real thinking. He heaped unusual praise on Casey Benson, the only white starter for the Ducks. He did this after characterizing the Ducks as an "old" team, a veiled reference to Oregon coach Altman's practice of bringing in transfers, some with troubled pasts, mostly black.
3
so. let's be clear....are you suggesting K is a racist?
2
Certainly not. But the comments in context point to a holier-than-thou attitude toward running a program any way but the Duke-Coach K way. It's arrogance that's being called out.
The fact that the media has now spent days "investigating" this issue is a simple commentary of our society's need for salacious news. The sad part is that the focus on this 3-second comment took the focus on what should have been the true story -- Oregon (a team that the country knows little about) had thoroughly trounced Duke. Let's see -- story analyzing the actual basketball game vs famous coach giving unsolicited advice to other team's player -- which one did our national media pick up? If anyone wants to know why Trump gets all the media attention (vs stories about candidates' policies, record, etc.), the story about Coach K provides the answer. Our national media has to do a better job and stop pandering to the lowest common denominator.
10
This is about a coach lying. Not just lying, but lying in such a way that it implies that a young man is the liar instead of him.
In fact, the parallels to politics are tremendous. Because the same people who think that Coach K's lies are not worth covering are the same who think Trump's lies are not worth covering.
Why should we try to stop reporting of the lies of powererful people and how they hurt other, less powerful people?
In fact, the parallels to politics are tremendous. Because the same people who think that Coach K's lies are not worth covering are the same who think Trump's lies are not worth covering.
Why should we try to stop reporting of the lies of powererful people and how they hurt other, less powerful people?
2
Pretty small 'taters. And, as usual, the brief "cover up" was more regrettable than the "crime."
I have a much bigger problem with coaches that trash talk opposing players during the game (John Wooden comes readily to mind) or coaches that use obscenities or vulgarities in their huddles that are easily overheard by young boys and girls in the stands. You don't have to act in those ways to be a winner.
Coach Tony Bennett comes to mind as an example of a winning coach who is also a gentleman.
I have a much bigger problem with coaches that trash talk opposing players during the game (John Wooden comes readily to mind) or coaches that use obscenities or vulgarities in their huddles that are easily overheard by young boys and girls in the stands. You don't have to act in those ways to be a winner.
Coach Tony Bennett comes to mind as an example of a winning coach who is also a gentleman.
22
And the fact that Krzyzewski is an admitted liar is clearly of no conseque, needless to say.
3
It's surprising that you have chosen to defend the other team's coach and not your own team's player, Mr. Philomath, _Oregon_. Would you be reacting that way, if Brooks had been the coach of the opposing team and Krzyzewski had been the player for your home team? And, needless to say, you comment impugning the reputation of John Wooden is totally uncalled-for.
Coach K crossed a line and frankly looks very bad in this situation. Overall no major harm was done to anyone except coach K. With the audio tape it proves that even Coach K is not above lying. Not a good look for the coach at the very least.
I would add there is a bit of hypocrisy about Coach K and his program. There has always been a punk aspect to Duke and always a player or two that pushes the line of sportsmanship - Grayson Allen being the latest example. To my knowledge Grayson Allen has never been suspended or public rebuked.
It is disappointing that Coach K has behaved this way; but as you say, he is part of an exclusive clubs that believes that make the rules.
I would add there is a bit of hypocrisy about Coach K and his program. There has always been a punk aspect to Duke and always a player or two that pushes the line of sportsmanship - Grayson Allen being the latest example. To my knowledge Grayson Allen has never been suspended or public rebuked.
It is disappointing that Coach K has behaved this way; but as you say, he is part of an exclusive clubs that believes that make the rules.
10
It is amazing the amount of power, reverence, and outright untouchability we give to these individuals, "The Coach." This trickles down into the culture of athletes too, no doubt. What fuels it? Winning brings money, and money brings untouchability.
The list of bad effects this breeds in sports are legion, and we could recite endless specific events of impunity gone wild. Plato argued, if you do not get athletics right, and if you do not figure out how to tame it, society itself is in jeopardy as mere sport starts turning lose people who only understand how to win and dominate.
That is no code for a civilized society. But, since it is what we reward, what we pay millions and more millions the more you do it, it is what we elevate as our ideal. Winning as the goal of life; domination as the means.
Barbarians are not at the gates. We hire them to coach our children. And, we are very close to electing one President.
The list of bad effects this breeds in sports are legion, and we could recite endless specific events of impunity gone wild. Plato argued, if you do not get athletics right, and if you do not figure out how to tame it, society itself is in jeopardy as mere sport starts turning lose people who only understand how to win and dominate.
That is no code for a civilized society. But, since it is what we reward, what we pay millions and more millions the more you do it, it is what we elevate as our ideal. Winning as the goal of life; domination as the means.
Barbarians are not at the gates. We hire them to coach our children. And, we are very close to electing one President.
4
Having played for an emperor coach, I can only say, "How true!" Players are just cogs in such coach's machines. Players have no right to think, feel, or in anyway have a life of their own. College is a great opportunity for personal growth, and emperor coaches take this option away. It is another way in which college athletics exploits athletes.
7
This happens so often that we fail to recognize it for what it is, fabricated news. Here is the pattern: a reporter challenges someone at a moment when their defenses are down and they react injudiciously. What you think you know about this exchange is probably wrong. Whatever nuance there was has been expunged to give the appearance of omniscience, as in a novel.
The reporter, being omniscient, then reveals to us that the coach is not leading a scholastic sports program so much as a private fiefdom. Our intrepid reporter plumps the depths and bravely exposes the truth.
The reader, then taking the above at face value, feels the sting of indignation or perhaps wrings their hands in anxiety, and another seed of discontent gets planted in their chest.
All of this over what is essentially an illusion.
What more likely happened is that the coach used the instance as a teaching moment and snapped at the reporter for sticking their nose in the process. His reaction may have instead been driven to protect Dillon and the appearance that he did something wrong.
Dillon believed he understood the coach's intent. He said, "He just told me that I’m too good of a player to be showing out at the end.... And he’s right. I’ve got to respect Duke." But this advice wasn't for our ears.
If we believe "it takes a village" then this is the right thing to do. Scholastic basketball should groom well-rounded adults not just NBA celebrities. The media presence, here, is itself the problem.
The reporter, being omniscient, then reveals to us that the coach is not leading a scholastic sports program so much as a private fiefdom. Our intrepid reporter plumps the depths and bravely exposes the truth.
The reader, then taking the above at face value, feels the sting of indignation or perhaps wrings their hands in anxiety, and another seed of discontent gets planted in their chest.
All of this over what is essentially an illusion.
What more likely happened is that the coach used the instance as a teaching moment and snapped at the reporter for sticking their nose in the process. His reaction may have instead been driven to protect Dillon and the appearance that he did something wrong.
Dillon believed he understood the coach's intent. He said, "He just told me that I’m too good of a player to be showing out at the end.... And he’s right. I’ve got to respect Duke." But this advice wasn't for our ears.
If we believe "it takes a village" then this is the right thing to do. Scholastic basketball should groom well-rounded adults not just NBA celebrities. The media presence, here, is itself the problem.
58
If it was such a brave "takes a village moment" why did he lie about it? And if he spreads the same wonderful advice to his own players why do they run up scores?
2
Maybe. But this is Duke and this is Coach K. It's the media that glorifies both and most the glory is hype so there's an eventual takedown. The teachable moment is Coach K remembering how to lose with the grace he's attributed or accepting he's just one more clay-footed, coddled functionary at an institution with alumni who shower their discretionary tax-deductible dollars that tax payers match 50% of to express their chauvinism and secure bragging rights. The apology means nothing when it's prompted by empirical evidence of his lie and pressure from Duke's development director to salvage goodwill with offended deep pocket donors. Egg on the face of glorified, overpaid hollow men is always the fault of media, right? Your pretzel logic, here, is itself the problem.
3
"What more likely happened is that the coach used the instance as a teaching moment and snapped at the reporter for sticking their nose in the process. His reaction may have instead been driven to protect Dillon and the appearance that he did something wrong."
And the fact that Krzyzewski is an admitted liar means nothing.
And the fact that Krzyzewski is an admitted liar means nothing.
1
Oregon coach Altman said he's the one made the decision. Oregon is not absolved because the coach made the decision, not the player. Coach Altman is guilty of breaking the code. Duke's defense had already relaxed for everyone to see because they realized it was over, so the three pointer were easy cheap points. Coach Altman's explanation was that otherwise it would have been a turnover. So what!? They were ahead by several baskets, not one or two, and time left was in the single digits. Coach Altman should be apologizing to everyone. This is not to condone Coach K for losing control, he should have let us make up our own mind, instead of chastising someone else's player. No one's looking good, which is what happens when everyone individually breaks their codes or don't have them.
1
"Duke's defense had already relaxed for everyone to see because they realized it was over"
"It ain't over till it's over," Robby. What "code" did Coach Altman break, by the way? The Code of Hammurabi?
"This is not to condone Coach K for losing control"
When did Coach K "lose control"? When he chose to chastise another coach's player, thereby insulting that player's coach? Or when Coach K lied about what he had done?
"It ain't over till it's over," Robby. What "code" did Coach Altman break, by the way? The Code of Hammurabi?
"This is not to condone Coach K for losing control"
When did Coach K "lose control"? When he chose to chastise another coach's player, thereby insulting that player's coach? Or when Coach K lied about what he had done?
What about Coach K's lie in response to the question of what he said ? What about the code of maximum effort while on a field or court ? Do we expect batters to strike out purposely when they're up 12-1 in the 9th ? This unwritten code of behavior always comes up as sour grape carping by a loser..The truth is that Coach K's behavior was petulant and puerile and only compounded by his baldfaced lie. He is simply emblematic of the corrupt, exploitative and dissembling behavior of the NCAA where coaches are allowed to move from school to school for multimillion dollar contracts 1 step ahead of serious violations while the "kids" serve the sentence, how else to explain how Rick Pitino still has a job coaching 18 year olds? The truth, as always in this country is if you are winning (games, stock price, elections, etc) then your behavior does not matter, ethics are nothing more than an inconvenience in our thoroughly utilitarian world and then we wake up and are surprised to find the world we live in--littered with Donald Trump, fraudulent banks, unjustified wars, climate change deniers and all the rest who seek nothing more than short term enrichment at a cost we can't even begin to calculate. Sic transit gloria mundi.
8
Meanwhile, coach K had no problem suiting up that kid that kept tripping people all season.
36
For all the ways these guys truly are treated like royalty, this article strikes me as very small potatoes indeed.
5
Exactly! A famous, big-time white man takes a black non-entity to task and then liers about it.? How on earth is *that* "news"? It happens every day.
1
So now comparing a man who physically assaulted multiple people (Bobby Knight) to a man who told an untruth is not laughed out of the building as a headline?
5
Please provide specifics regarding the statement that Knight "physically assaulted multiple people". He made mistakes and I don't condone those, nor do I condone blatantly false and exaggerated statements either.
Yup. Convicted of assault in 1979 in Puerto Rico. On video seen to be choking a player in 1997. Fired for grabbing a student on the arm in 2000. All easily searchable on the web. Plus, there are the alleged assaults, including throwing things at an elderly female secretary, where there was no video or criminal complaint. I can go on about those too or you can just use Google.
1
$912. Million Dollars in revenue.
The Emperor is the NCAA.
The Emperor is the NCAA.
9
Why is the focus of this article on the discussion? The "imperial coach" phenomenon is best exemplified by how he called the kid a liar, knowing that he would probably get the benefit of most doubt, until an audio recording showed HIM to be the liar.
Scold whomever you like, but don't throw teenagers under the bus just because you think you can.
Scold whomever you like, but don't throw teenagers under the bus just because you think you can.
30
The recoding shows K to be saying "You are too good a player to do that", "you are too good a player". But the press question was phrased that Brooks said K called Brooks out for "showing off"--which K rightfully denied and then added so as not to contradict a player--'just go with whatever Dillion said I said". "He is a terrific player".
2
Mr. Rhoden
You needed to write a column so you made a mountain out of a molehill
You are an ordinary writer.
Coach K is a legendary coach, one who has favorably impacted hundreds of lives.
You try to impact people with your mountains out of molehills--and you fail miserably--all the time
You needed to write a column so you made a mountain out of a molehill
You are an ordinary writer.
Coach K is a legendary coach, one who has favorably impacted hundreds of lives.
You try to impact people with your mountains out of molehills--and you fail miserably--all the time
8
Coach K has been shown to be a liar.
5
all the more reason that a man of Coach K's stature should be called out for an out-and-out lie, esp. one (if believed) makes a 20-yr old kid the fall guy. (He was just following instructions from his coach.)
4
You should have reported the entire exchange. Anyone who can read lips can see Coach K. telling Brooks at the end of it "Don't worry about it" while Brooks appears to be saying the equivalent of "my bad". That lends a bit of balance and resolution to the whole thing.
When you discuss Coach K. and Coach Boeheim, you're talking about people who have had courts named after them while they were still coaching, which is never a good idea. Helps build the sense of empire. However, it could be worse. UNC built and named an entire facility after Dean Smith when he still had over 10 years of coaching left to go. Private funds or not, that never felt right.
When you discuss Coach K. and Coach Boeheim, you're talking about people who have had courts named after them while they were still coaching, which is never a good idea. Helps build the sense of empire. However, it could be worse. UNC built and named an entire facility after Dean Smith when he still had over 10 years of coaching left to go. Private funds or not, that never felt right.
3
Right, so coach K is not perfect. Who is?
3
Since I am the fan of a team that's mildly successful and subject to the same big-money athletics culture as the rest of the elite programs, I have been amused for years as North Carolina and Duke fans (we travel a lot) have predicted that our "sleazy" coach will get us into trouble. This while NC was caught in academic violations and the Dean Smith, Krzyzewski, and Jim Valvano have been the subject of a hagiography. All excellent coaches and especially Valvano and Smith from all I can see were fine, fine men.
But despite all the potential for abuse--and with the realism of old age that says who knows what's in anybody's dirty laundry--I have been very happy with John Calipari. He knows the fans here are crazy. But his heart really seems to be with his players, not what's best for him, but during the year, what's best for them as a team, and at the end of the season, helping them achieve their goals. The players love him (as Jamal Murray's photo bombing his interview on ESPN after the SEC tournament shows). He does the Methodist (though he's Catholic) talk about servant-leadership. And I think he models it, setting up a Telefund for Haiti after the earthquake and raising money. He teaches young men, many about to be rich beyond most of our wildest dreams, that it really isn't all about them. On the whole a pretty stable and admirable group. The senior forward Alex Poythress who may have not had a stellar season is in graduate school in economics and had a 3.9 GPA.
But despite all the potential for abuse--and with the realism of old age that says who knows what's in anybody's dirty laundry--I have been very happy with John Calipari. He knows the fans here are crazy. But his heart really seems to be with his players, not what's best for him, but during the year, what's best for them as a team, and at the end of the season, helping them achieve their goals. The players love him (as Jamal Murray's photo bombing his interview on ESPN after the SEC tournament shows). He does the Methodist (though he's Catholic) talk about servant-leadership. And I think he models it, setting up a Telefund for Haiti after the earthquake and raising money. He teaches young men, many about to be rich beyond most of our wildest dreams, that it really isn't all about them. On the whole a pretty stable and admirable group. The senior forward Alex Poythress who may have not had a stellar season is in graduate school in economics and had a 3.9 GPA.
2
Expected to see some a wide range of comments here but a testimonial to Coach Cal was not on the list
This from (wait for it) ... the one and only William C. Rhoden
"The previous two college programs Calipari has led — UMass and Memphis — wound up punished by the N.C.A.A., stripped of many of their achievements. And while Calipari will tell you — and almost sell you — that there were extenuating circumstances in each case, the record is the record....
Calipari’s record as a college coach is 621-177; his record at Kentucky is 176-37, including the 2012 national championship.
He is also the only coach to have Final Four appearances vacated at more than one university.
No amount of salesmanship will remove those blemishes."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/12/sports/ncaabasketball/kentucky-and-joh...
This from (wait for it) ... the one and only William C. Rhoden
"The previous two college programs Calipari has led — UMass and Memphis — wound up punished by the N.C.A.A., stripped of many of their achievements. And while Calipari will tell you — and almost sell you — that there were extenuating circumstances in each case, the record is the record....
Calipari’s record as a college coach is 621-177; his record at Kentucky is 176-37, including the 2012 national championship.
He is also the only coach to have Final Four appearances vacated at more than one university.
No amount of salesmanship will remove those blemishes."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/12/sports/ncaabasketball/kentucky-and-joh...
3
Yes, John Calipari, the same fine fellow whose Final Four appearances at his previous jobs -- UMass and Memphis -- were vacated because of scandal that he left in his wake. Not his fault, of course, as he always tells us. He was simply running the program.
2
I understand that you have to write a column and need something provocative to say. But if the Oregon coach and player don't think its a big deal, you're just drumming up hatred and comments based on personal bias.
Brooks: "It means so much that Coach K said he was sorry even though he had nothing to say sorry for. He’s just giving a player advice and trying to make me learn. You’ve got to take that advice and learn from it. I just love the game, I have passion for it and it’s hard right now."
Altman: "Someone that has accomplished what he has accomplished and makes a comment to one of my players is perfectly fine with me, and it didn’t bother me at all. It bothered a lot of other people. It didn’t bother me. It didn’t bother Dillon, and Dillon’s response proved that. … So it’s a dead issue."
Doesn't sound imperial to me at all.
Brooks: "It means so much that Coach K said he was sorry even though he had nothing to say sorry for. He’s just giving a player advice and trying to make me learn. You’ve got to take that advice and learn from it. I just love the game, I have passion for it and it’s hard right now."
Altman: "Someone that has accomplished what he has accomplished and makes a comment to one of my players is perfectly fine with me, and it didn’t bother me at all. It bothered a lot of other people. It didn’t bother me. It didn’t bother Dillon, and Dillon’s response proved that. … So it’s a dead issue."
Doesn't sound imperial to me at all.
11
The thing Coach K should be apologizing for is lying, not an "incorrect response" like he tried to make it sound. He tried to get a way with a lie; that's not good example for a man of his stature.
3
Coach K was correct to basically tell Dillon Brooks to have some class. If Altman, Brooks' coach, told him to shoot the ball as the seconds ran down and the game was already decided, then Altman needs to learn some class too. No need to take that shot, just as there is no need for college football teams to run up the score in a game that has been decided. Coach K is a classy coach -- and no I didn't go to Duke and I'm not a Duke fan -- but I am a "fan" of showing class and sportsmanship in a game AND if Brooks had any class, when he was asked what Coach K said to him, his response would have been -- "that's between him and me."
4
I did not know that it was classy to lie about the exchange till a recording outed his lie. I can only imagine a Duke faculty member, who, while making a fraction of what coach K makes, helps graduate multiple times the number of basketball players that play in a team, getting away with making a kid out to be a liar! I know, the sport brings in tons of revenue to the school. I suppose 'the revenue' from tuition does not count, even though what the tuition potentially buys the payer is a life time ability to make a living! That said, compared to coach Knight, this coach K is a saint! And humans make mistakes, and he was decent enough to apologize once the truth came out.
2
"Have some class." Such a strange turn of phrase. I've never liked it. It makes it sound as if your socioeconomic class determines your morality. And that if you are not of that class, well, you can ape your betters to at least have the appearance.
Coach K was beyond ridiculous on this one:
-It wasn't his player
-Dillon was following directions from his coach...how would coach K react if one of his players declined to execute his directions on the court? If the opposing coach thought the player should be following his views instead?
-The biggest poor sportsmanship issue in NCAA mens BB this year is in Duke's starting five, with multiple incidents tripping opponents. As I recall Coach K was dismissive of outside criticism, saying he handled the issue internally.
-Coach K straight up lied about what happened and thereby cast aspersions on Dillon's character. You can't be the self-proclaimed guardian of integrity in the game if you don't have any.
-It wasn't his player
-Dillon was following directions from his coach...how would coach K react if one of his players declined to execute his directions on the court? If the opposing coach thought the player should be following his views instead?
-The biggest poor sportsmanship issue in NCAA mens BB this year is in Duke's starting five, with multiple incidents tripping opponents. As I recall Coach K was dismissive of outside criticism, saying he handled the issue internally.
-Coach K straight up lied about what happened and thereby cast aspersions on Dillon's character. You can't be the self-proclaimed guardian of integrity in the game if you don't have any.
174
Very good comment. Coach K had no way of knowing whether Dillon was coached to take the shot, so he should've kept his mouth shut. Then lying about it afterwards was an even worse offense, and was the true indication of the power dynamic between the two, as well as the indication of Coach K's understanding and manipulation of that dynamic.
5
thank you for bringing up the tripping incidents by Duke, should have been mentioned in this article but was not
1
The audio K to Brooks " You are too good of player to do that, you are too good of player"
The video K to reporters:
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article68422647.html
Clearly K did not accuse of Brooks "showing off" and that is the language he is rightfully denying. And immediately said 'just go with whatever Brooks said I said".
This story is not based on making a mountain of a molehill. This story is a deliberate "misinterpretation" to sell yellow paper.
PS: Brooks appeared to be taunting Allen; why didn't he hug his own players
The video K to reporters:
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article68422647.html
Clearly K did not accuse of Brooks "showing off" and that is the language he is rightfully denying. And immediately said 'just go with whatever Brooks said I said".
This story is not based on making a mountain of a molehill. This story is a deliberate "misinterpretation" to sell yellow paper.
PS: Brooks appeared to be taunting Allen; why didn't he hug his own players
3
Uhhh…
I guess your deadline was approaching and you needed something to write about??
About 50 years watching basketball on all levels and most times, yeah, don't take that shot.
Maybe the same can be said for fluffy, pot-stirring, irrelevant, gossip column pieces that somehow pass as "all the news fit to print."
You don't take the shot.
I guess your deadline was approaching and you needed something to write about??
About 50 years watching basketball on all levels and most times, yeah, don't take that shot.
Maybe the same can be said for fluffy, pot-stirring, irrelevant, gossip column pieces that somehow pass as "all the news fit to print."
You don't take the shot.
4
follow the money: when college coaches are paid millions because sports teams bring in millions, of course there will be empires. with so much at stake, it seems naive to hold coaches to an ideal of sportsmanship that has rarely if ever existed outside the amateur level.
16
Coach K knows that student Brooks is only an indentured servant, working for free so a coach can make millions of dollars in salary. Correct a peon - why not?
4
not to mention the Emperor lied. The Emperor has o clothes.
This is by far one of the dumbest articles I have read in a long time. The author doesn't get it - there is something called professionalism and decorum. This player needed to be introduced to both those concepts but as has become all too typical for the NY Times they continue to pander to this notion that traditional values no longer matter. Instead of respecting the accomplishments and professionalism Coach K exemplifies let's instead vilify him as a member of the evil establishment. Let's label him bad - he is the 1% that must be driven from sports and society. What a joke! It seems to me that not only did Brooks need a good talking too but this author does as well.
5
So, then, how do you justify K's refusal to address his player, Grayson Allen, after multiple incidents of tripping opponents this year?
Coach K doesn't represent sportsmanship; he is a hypocrite.
Coach K doesn't represent sportsmanship; he is a hypocrite.
3
So why did he choose to lie? Own it. Let everyone know you did coach the Oregon player to show class. Then own why one of your key players chooses to cross the line between hard/tough play and dirty/ cheering play. By the way, remember this scion of society is a college basketball coach,delivering a tremendous amount to society.
1
"Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire" What a phony! I hope someone from the IRS reads this article.
Please at least get the facts right, or at least explain the facts to those your engage in the article...
“When you have the ball and the shot clock is off and it’s just the time running down, you don’t shoot the ball,” he said.
The shot clock was NOT off... there was a difference in the game clock vs. the shot clock, and rather than just drop the ball on the ground, or hand it to the opposing team, as I guess Coach K expected him to do, he chose to take a 30 ft. shot, and it happened to go in... I am going to speculate that ALL of Coach K's players would have done the same thing... the kid was totally in the right, and Coach K's reaction deserves every bit the criticism it has received.
“When you have the ball and the shot clock is off and it’s just the time running down, you don’t shoot the ball,” he said.
The shot clock was NOT off... there was a difference in the game clock vs. the shot clock, and rather than just drop the ball on the ground, or hand it to the opposing team, as I guess Coach K expected him to do, he chose to take a 30 ft. shot, and it happened to go in... I am going to speculate that ALL of Coach K's players would have done the same thing... the kid was totally in the right, and Coach K's reaction deserves every bit the criticism it has received.
9
Just like his mentor Knight and another prime reason most people can't stand Duke
7
So a few more folks now see that K is right there with Knight. D1 bb is a big business and he is successful because he is heartless, as any leader of a for-profit business has to be in our culture.
If a blow is to be struck for free speech, it should be for Coach K. He can say whatever he wants, right or wrong, and suffer the consequences. This is not in defense of "the emperor coach." He lied about the exchange, and rightfully was taken to task for his mistake. May I suggest that Mr. Rhoden devote his column to more important issues? This one was a waste of words.
4
Wouldn't a better way to undress the Emperor be to just tell it like it is? Shouldn't the headline read: "Coach K Lies about Exchange with Oregon Player"?
12
Absolutely, right. Coach K's reaction to Brooks' celebration after the shot might be oK, but not his false denial when asked about it. Either own up, or "no comment."
There is a rule, written or unwritten, that a player doesn't take a shot when the shot clock is about to expire? I see that rule broken almost every game, although it rarely results in any points.
2
Humility seems a rare virtue...if you are in a position of unquestioned power, adored by your fans, and with a long history of success. And yet, indispensable, as 'K' admitted, even if belatedly when confronted. Oh well, erring is human, and admitting it is 'royal', a perfect ending within our imperfections.
3
This comment is about the article on the young boxers, "Tiger" and "Ant." Tragic and beautifully written. If these posts are monitored then just let the writer know.
After hearing an account of the exchange, Bennett said, “Making a mountain out of a molehill.”
Enough said.
Enough said.
3
An inexcusable “white lie” from a “professional” who is paid 50-100 times more for putting/preventing/recruiting a ball through a ring than other teachers handling subjects like critical thinking. Massive income inequality and preventing aristocracy are reasons progressive tax brackets should be raised and not cut per the Republican political-aristocracy donor class who want our underfunded educational system turning out Trump and Cruz believers. It seems American culture has embraced lying at all levels and should be addressed, but it is ironic that the Republican donor class branding of Hillary as a liar is so hypocritical.
4
I love the game of basketball.I played collegiate basketball and officiated for many years at the HS,Junior College,and Collegiate levels.Coach K played for Knight at West Point.Their coaching styles are the "old" style so to speak.Both K and Knight have/had high graduation rates among their players.They demand a lot of themselves and their players,as well as the referees who do their games.If Coach K wants to say something to a player after the game,who cares?If the writer of this story thinks that's a big deal,then he should hear what is said during a game from player to player and from coaches to players,and from coaches to referees.It's an intense game with outstanding players.
4
We live in a sports gone wild culture where great skill in coaching a sport equates to being a great person. The reality is coaching a sport is a unidimensional skill, which rarely imparts the knowledge and wisdom we admire in great persons.
Obviously, as with all specialists, not all great sports coaches are great "people persons".
But this one is. Just ask his former players. And look at the success in life of his former players.
But this one is. Just ask his former players. And look at the success in life of his former players.
1
You are definitely making a mountain out of a mole hill. Coach K made a mistake when he lied about the so called incident and only then. To compare his mistake to Knight is utter nonsense. Imperial? Someone needs to write an article about this article and the writer, inserting trouble where there is none. Sports writers used to write about sports not drama, stirring the pot. Sheesh!
8
How much of an advantage does Krzyzewski's mere presence on the bench give the Duke Blue Devils? Ten points a game? More? Krzyzewski is a bully in the same vein as Bobby Knight, just smaller and more weaselly. But, to his credit, Knight didn't put on the facade of Mother Theresa, unlike the mantle sainted Coach K wears.
8
Bobby Knight was K's mentor at Army in the late 70s.
Coincidence?
Coincidence?
2
A three-pointer at the buzzer when the game has been decided. A capital crime in basketball, apparently. But that's not Krzyzewski's correction to make. Brooks is not his player.
4
He had no business lecturing another team's player. That was bald faced arrogance. The player in question was simply following his own coach's orders. Coach K and his many defenders/worshippers have no leg to stand on.
6
A coach should coach his own players only, not opposition players. Krzyzewski should have voiced his displeasure, if at all, to Oregon's coach; he had no place imposing himself as he did on another team's player.
1
Excuse me if I don't take this story exactly on face value.
William Rhoden became the first black Times Sports writer of any significance and has rightfully explored the ill treatment of African Americans in sports over the last several decades. Based on his many other pieces, this one seems a thinly veiled admonition about a powerful white coach lording over a young black athlete.
The problem I have with Rhoden isn't the message but the examples he uses. In this case the coach apologized over his indiscreation, which in fact didn't appear to be that great of an indiscreation to begin with and didn't necessarily seem to be race based.
Other times Rhoden has taken to defending black sports figures such as Isiah Robinson, telling us he was doing a fine job while the New York Knicks were disintegrating and suggesting that Barry Bonds was actually a very fine fellow while every other indication was he was a mean-spirited twit...And then there was the story about coach Tyrone Willingham, who was fired by Notre Dame. Rhoden rushed to his defense after he moved to Washington State and won his first two games, suggesting that vindicated Rhoden's view of him as an excellent coach. Willingham ended his coaching career at 76-88.
William Rhoden became the first black Times Sports writer of any significance and has rightfully explored the ill treatment of African Americans in sports over the last several decades. Based on his many other pieces, this one seems a thinly veiled admonition about a powerful white coach lording over a young black athlete.
The problem I have with Rhoden isn't the message but the examples he uses. In this case the coach apologized over his indiscreation, which in fact didn't appear to be that great of an indiscreation to begin with and didn't necessarily seem to be race based.
Other times Rhoden has taken to defending black sports figures such as Isiah Robinson, telling us he was doing a fine job while the New York Knicks were disintegrating and suggesting that Barry Bonds was actually a very fine fellow while every other indication was he was a mean-spirited twit...And then there was the story about coach Tyrone Willingham, who was fired by Notre Dame. Rhoden rushed to his defense after he moved to Washington State and won his first two games, suggesting that vindicated Rhoden's view of him as an excellent coach. Willingham ended his coaching career at 76-88.
63
Just because Bill Rhoden has spent a distinguished career writing about the myriad ways that racism has influenced sports doesn't make this piece race-based. Moreover, he has written many pieces that have nothing whatsoever to do with racism and everything to do with what is wonderful about sports. The highest profile coach in college basketball said something to Brooks who, to his credit, owned it immediately ("I know, I know"). That wasn't an issue neither to me nor, I think, to Rhoden. The fact that Krzyzewski would feel the need to lie about it and, in doing so, effectively call that player a liar IS a big story and has not one scintilla to do with race. It would have been truly refreshing (and somewhat mitigating) to hear K say "I lied." The fact he didn't makes this the imperial behavior of which Rhoden writes so effectively here, the only major writer I have seen call K out on this.
uhhh, most of us didn't know the writer was black and read his article at face value. WHY ARE YOU bringing race into this. it's not relevant. I like Coach K. But it is inappropriate to admonish another team's players. Take it up with the coach.
It's pretty powerful if that "powerful white coach" accuses the young black athlete of lying.
Lot's of things going on here. Agree there is way too much money in college basketball. Of course I also watched about 10 games on TV and did a couple of brackets on ESPN.
As often happens with minor mistakes by public people, the lying about it was worse than the mistake, especially when its debatable if it was a mistake at all.
When you have won 1,000 games and a couple gold medals and are treated like royalty by everyone in the country who doesn't hate Duke it must be pretty hard to stay human and humble.
Idols are human, make mistakes, maybe try to cover them up out of embarrassment or frustration at not being allowed to screw up without it becoming a major issue. Not fair to compare this to Bobby Knight throwing a chair, or NCAA recruiting violations or Trump.
Happy Easter!
As often happens with minor mistakes by public people, the lying about it was worse than the mistake, especially when its debatable if it was a mistake at all.
When you have won 1,000 games and a couple gold medals and are treated like royalty by everyone in the country who doesn't hate Duke it must be pretty hard to stay human and humble.
Idols are human, make mistakes, maybe try to cover them up out of embarrassment or frustration at not being allowed to screw up without it becoming a major issue. Not fair to compare this to Bobby Knight throwing a chair, or NCAA recruiting violations or Trump.
Happy Easter!
4
I'd love to see a column describing the Imperial Columnist who is given free range to insinuate and denigrate any sports figure the columnist judges to have crossed a line. Mr. Rhoden every charge you have leveled at the Duke coach can be leveled at this column, your own attempt at a post-game sideline chat with Coach K. At least he attempted to have his conversation in private.
6
And lied about it...................the lie would still be in place but for a recorder.....the Duke coach is not to be trusted.
Coach K is an overrated human being—great coach, but not nearly the squeaky clean do-gooder that the media makes him out to be.
That said, a fair account of this incident would include the celebration AFTER the shot at the buzzer. Kid had no reason NOT to shoot as the shot clock was winding down. He didn't have to do his little dance considering the circumstances (i.e. Duke had conceded the game and the shot). I'm guessing that had more to do with Krzyzewski's displeasure.
Of course, Coach K made this whole non-situation into a situation by lying and being a jerk about it while doing so.
But hey, Mr. College Athletes Are Modern-Day Slaves gets another whack at the pinata so it's all good.
That said, a fair account of this incident would include the celebration AFTER the shot at the buzzer. Kid had no reason NOT to shoot as the shot clock was winding down. He didn't have to do his little dance considering the circumstances (i.e. Duke had conceded the game and the shot). I'm guessing that had more to do with Krzyzewski's displeasure.
Of course, Coach K made this whole non-situation into a situation by lying and being a jerk about it while doing so.
But hey, Mr. College Athletes Are Modern-Day Slaves gets another whack at the pinata so it's all good.
4
The truth is that Coach K is, indeed, the "Emperor of the NCAA" - by accomplishment and because he is a stand-up guy. NYT - why sink to hit jobs like this, which diminish the accomplishments of individuals over such insignificant episodes? Having frequently run into Coach K walking to and from his car at all hours of the day and night - and having been greeted cordially by him each time - I happen to know from first hand experience that he is a workhorse and a gentleman. He is dedicated to his school, the young men he mentors, his community, and his craft.
6
There you have it - nothing reveals a man’s character as much as seeing him walk to and from the parking lot.
Here’s a clue for you: stand-up guys do not call powerless people liars when they are the one lying.
Here’s a clue for you: stand-up guys do not call powerless people liars when they are the one lying.
1
I think that one of the key things a teacher or coach can impart to their students and athletes is the value of integrity.
If coach K thought what he did was proper, then he would have had no reason to lie about it. But he lied, and never corrrected himself or apologized for it, until, embarrasingly, his version was proved to be false. He implicated Dillon as a lying athlete, even though he had no axe to grind with Coach K.
Whether they realize it or not, student athletes are always watching their coaches, and learning from them. Coach K delivered a lesson that no one should have to hear: Money and power trumps integrity, and that when put to the test, it is better to lie than to maintain your honor.
Student athletes everywhere deserve better.
If coach K thought what he did was proper, then he would have had no reason to lie about it. But he lied, and never corrrected himself or apologized for it, until, embarrasingly, his version was proved to be false. He implicated Dillon as a lying athlete, even though he had no axe to grind with Coach K.
Whether they realize it or not, student athletes are always watching their coaches, and learning from them. Coach K delivered a lesson that no one should have to hear: Money and power trumps integrity, and that when put to the test, it is better to lie than to maintain your honor.
Student athletes everywhere deserve better.
55
That's the thing that bothered me: that he didn't mind making the kid look bad when he didn't do anything wrong. It's a basketball game. And Duke's players have behaved similarly.
1
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. As the dad of a student athlete, I could not agree more.
Mentioning Bobby Knight and Coach K. in the same sentence is the first mistake in this article. Coach K. made a tiny mistake and admitted it and apologized. Knight made a bunch of huge mistakes - felony level in some cases - and never thought to apologize. Don't mention them together ever again please.
26
J. - Coack Knight was Coach K's mentor back at Army. They will always be linked, especially when the mentees competetivism results in an error in judgement.
Um, he lied outright about what he said to the Oregon player. Only apologised after he was caught in a lie. Some sportsmanship you bet.
2
Coach K is as bad as any of them and in this case is a proven liar. Admitting your mistake only when caught red handed is not a sign of integrity.
1
Coach K has always had an air of arrogance about him. Which he deserves because his players typically earn their degrees.
But he should learn not to lie in public. Unless he wants to be Hillarys veep.
But he should learn not to lie in public. Unless he wants to be Hillarys veep.
6
Krzyzewski's behavior wreaks of impunity. He thinks he is the arbiter of basketball's code of conduct, and can pass judgment like a magistrate when he perceives violations? Please. Well, the live mic got him, not just in his offensive moralizing, but in his straight out lie. One only hopes a few recruits take notice about how joyless it can be to play for him and take their game elsewhere.
14
Coach K has earned the right to mentor basketball players other than those on his team. It is an honor to receive advice from him on or off the court. Hopefully, Dillon Brooks learned a valuable lesson not only "to respect the game," but to value the importance and development of class as exemplified by Coach K. Dillon Brooks will be remembered for his immature actions. Even in defeat, Coach K shows dignity and a willingness to teach and help opposing players.
4
If he was "mentoring," why did he feel the need to lie about it? Or worse, to imply that his "mentee" was a liar?
1
Coach K lied and impugned the honesty of Dillon Brooks. How can you be impressed by that lack of dignity and integrity? Also, if you read the entire article, Dillon's coach says that he told him to take the shot.
3
since when does taking a shot as the shot clock expires disrespecting the game? was it the post-shot theatrics that got to you? puh-leeze .... these are kids raised in an espn world, rightly basking in a spotlight that exploits them mercilessly, don't act so fragile & precious. if these so-called 'unwritten rules' are so important, why doesn't someone write them down?
1
Brave column. Thank you. I certainly prefer the honest ugliness of Bob Knight to the disingenuous viciousness of Coach K. Alas, the latter is more routine at all levels of sports and rarely chastised. The problem is not the lie. It is the intent revealed by the lie. That is, Coach K tried to emotionally hurt a 19 year old kid -- in the handshake line -- under the guise of his "teacherly" authority.
22
Viciousness? Where on earth did you come up with that adjective??
1
Who cares?? Come on - there are way more important things going on in the world than this drivel!
16
Yes, Maxwell, you are right.
Coach K was wrong to make the comment to the player, but definitely right in what he said. The kid needed to be taught some manners and also how to class up.
3
No he wasn't. The shot clock wasn't off. What was he supposed to do? Throw the ball out of bounds? Coach K is a great coach, but he was butt hurt at the end of the game and he let that get to him.
2
Yeah maybe Duke guard Grayson Allen can show Dillon Brooks some leg work and how to trip opposing players. This article is dead on. Brooks and Altman have to live with the totally irrelevant shot. It shouldn't have even come up on the radar screen for Krzyzewski. He comes across as a poor loser.
7
Coach K's only mistake was his lie in the post presser. He should have just manned up and owned his comment.
The trick in this article is one many propagandists use to sway your opinion. Despite the facts, the author draws a hardly comparable analogue (Bob Knight) to stir your emotion and bias your opinion so that what you read later intimates that Coach K is akin to a Knight pastiche.
As Bennett said, mountain out of a molehill. It makes you wonder if the author has a different agenda in mind with the publication of the article.
The trick in this article is one many propagandists use to sway your opinion. Despite the facts, the author draws a hardly comparable analogue (Bob Knight) to stir your emotion and bias your opinion so that what you read later intimates that Coach K is akin to a Knight pastiche.
As Bennett said, mountain out of a molehill. It makes you wonder if the author has a different agenda in mind with the publication of the article.
15
Agreed. Coach K lying (and thereby implying that Brooks was lying) is the only newsworthy part of this story. And that part DOES merit discussion. But this article makes no sense. The writer clearly has a strong bias (it's right there in the title). He makes his argument, then interviews Bennet and Brogdon, neither of whom supports his argument, and then wraps up by reasserting his opinion anyway. Huh?
1
Coach K was just mad because he got beat by a better-coached team with more talent. He evidently has become so misguidedly enchanted with himself that he unhesitatingly lied about what he said to the Oregon player and had to do a rapid about-face when found out--that's the real story here. Despite being exceptionally good over the years at what he does, he is widely disliked for behaving as though he were the self-appointed Godfather of collegiate basketball. There are a number of college coaches just as good or better than he is. His insecurities really surface when he can't accept others' success--as in this silly episode.
15
Coach K lied about what he said to the kid? That is actually newsworthy. I hope Krzyzewski takes the message. I have no big problem with what he said but you can't fudge in a situation like that.
7
The Coach called the player a liar and it turned out he was the liar. That behavior is shameful. His first lie?
No problem with the Coach criticizing him over the shot, but calling the kid a liar is terrible.
No problem with the Coach criticizing him over the shot, but calling the kid a liar is terrible.
19
You buried your lead: "mountain out of a mole hill."
9
William Rhoden comes across as not able to stand someone that is really successful. He's desperately trying to claim Krzyzewski is an "emperor" in a bad sense but the only evidence he offers to back that up is one event. And on top of that, the players and other coaches tended more to agree with Krzyzewski than criticize. Of course, the article title gets people to read it and ultimately, is that William's objective, sell papers? Just wondering.
10
"Duke’s Krzyzewski chastised an opposing player, exposing again the imperial coaching that dots the collegiate landscape."
Americans love a bully. That's why Donald Trump may become our next president. A coach that verbally assaults an opposing player should be evicted from the game and suspended from attending the next game. Not surprisingly though, the most adored Coach K is from North Carolina, the United State's rear end when it comes to enlightened behavior.
Americans love a bully. That's why Donald Trump may become our next president. A coach that verbally assaults an opposing player should be evicted from the game and suspended from attending the next game. Not surprisingly though, the most adored Coach K is from North Carolina, the United State's rear end when it comes to enlightened behavior.
7
If Dillon Brooks was my son I would call Coach K and thank him for what he'd said to him!
10
would you also thank him for calling your son a liar, when it was the coach who lied? Do people lie deny what they said if it was the right thing to say?
17
It seems a shame to me to have a man like Coach K as the unofficial face of Duke University. The conduct described here, as well as his well-known foul language at courtside, are not representative of this premier institution.
There are many fine people, like Drs. Thomas M. Bashore and Donald D. Glower, who are the true faces of Duke University. Too bad the public heaps some much of its praise on Coach K and celebrate the likes of Dr. B and Dr. G so sparingly.
There are many fine people, like Drs. Thomas M. Bashore and Donald D. Glower, who are the true faces of Duke University. Too bad the public heaps some much of its praise on Coach K and celebrate the likes of Dr. B and Dr. G so sparingly.
4
I'll bet he brings in a ton of money. And yeah, coaches cuss. Apparently, these days, so do presidential candidates.
If you are worried about foul language and Duke's image, I implore you not to go into some of their operating rooms and emergency rooms that are so world renowned, and for good reason they are. You might get a serious case of the vapors then.
2
Don't forget about all of those 'wonderful' professors who tried to railroad the lacrosse players on the words of a drugged up woman with mental problems...
Duke certainly is a model for all of us to follow...
Duke certainly is a model for all of us to follow...
I have to agree with Coach Bennett's observation, i.e., this piece is "Making a mountain out of a mole hill." It would be more fun and more interesting for the NYT do a story on the egos in the U.S. Senate.
6
Sounds like Mr Holden thinks part of coaching is (his idea) proper behavior toward sportswriters . He needs to earn respect with his behavior , not his job description .
3
Sportsmanship? The fact that Coach K seemingly condones the actions of one of his players consistent and flagrant cheap shots makes this situation a bit ironic.
7
No person is a God. We best remember that. People are always looking for someone "with all the answers". Be very distrustful of that, especially in college sports, where these guys make 3 to 7 million a year, while the student body drowns in debt. They think they are above it all, and in a way they are, because of the money they are being paid. That's why they encourage their kids to "leave if you want". How else to compete with the fraud that is Kentucky "student athletes"? They all play along because of the millions at stake. Hypocrisy on a grad course level. Coach K for all his sanctimony is like all the rest.
2
When Kansas had the ball and a big lead against Maryland in sweet 16, as players were walking off with a few seconds left, Kansas player gave himself two points, uncontested and wide open under the basket. Refs had to check the game clock to make sure it counted and it did. A no class basket. It may have given his team some bad karma for their game against Villanova.
4
Awesomely good point David. Just went to see. Mason for KU scored a layup with 1.0 seconds on the clock. Shocked to see it. Good thing it wasn't against Duke. I hope the Maryland players can get over this. I'm sure their feelings were hurt.
Coach K showed his true colors when he did not call out his player (Grayson) for the deliberate trip of an opponent a few games ago. I guess it is OK when you are chastising an opponent, but you always support the unsports-man-like play of your team.
10
Oh my, such outrage. Why not print the entire exchange between the coach and the player? Here it is in it's entirety. Please don't allow your children to read this unsupervised.
"You're too good of a player to do that."
"Sorry coach."
"You're too good of a player to do that."
OMG!
BTW, have you all seen the other outrage from that game people are also wringing their hands about? At the final buzzer Dillon went to hug an opposing player and the other guy DIDN"T HUG HIM BACK!! The horror!!
"You're too good of a player to do that."
"Sorry coach."
"You're too good of a player to do that."
OMG!
BTW, have you all seen the other outrage from that game people are also wringing their hands about? At the final buzzer Dillon went to hug an opposing player and the other guy DIDN"T HUG HIM BACK!! The horror!!
4
wow, nasty column...I assume K crossed Mr Rhoden somewhere along the line.
9
An emperor...maybe. If so, he has no clothes. Perhaps we should consider that so few coaches seem to be teaching anything about sportsmanship that coach K's intrusion on his rival coach's "turf" is a breath of fresh air.
3
Problem was not his imperialism, it was his lying.
More craven than imperial.
More craven than imperial.
3
I'm in the "mountain out of a mole hill camp". So it's OK for players to trash talk at each other all through games but a coach can't speak his mind? I didn't hear he was disrespectful. But he had an opinion about the shot given the game was over. Everyone who is offended should grow up.
6
The big problem is that the coach called the player a liar, when in fact it was the coach that lied.
2
"It isn't the crime it's the coverup"
Why did Coach K lie about what he said to this young man? That is what bugs me. He knows the world will believe his version, and the player will appear to be a liar.
Why did Coach K lie about what he said to this young man? That is what bugs me. He knows the world will believe his version, and the player will appear to be a liar.
8
It's just wrong to equate Krzyzewski with Bobby Knight. Knight was violent, completely dismissive of the media and borderline nuts. He intimidated players and reporters alike. K is hyper-competitive and guess what, that's how you win at this level. I don't root for Duke but he is a gentleman.
4
The Emperor influences the refs too as the blatant walk by Grayson "the tripper" Allen at the end of the UVA game which resulted in a game winning lay up was a no call.
3
What's so bad about hating Duke? Or Alabama football? Or the Yankees? It should be the American thing to do, right along with pulling for underdogs. Sad fact: It's all a myth. Americans love only winners!
2
Great title, bad article.
A lot good be said about Coach K's increasingly imperial behavior. He isn't Bobby Knight, but his sense of sanctimonious entitlement is one of several reasons for the widespread dislike of the Duke basketball program.
Yet the article only discusses this one incident, which is noteworthy really only because of Coach K's initial dishonesty in describing the incident.
The other night as I watched one pompous coach after another gesticulating, yelling, often wandering three feet onto the court during play, I thought of John Wooden. Then I thought of Donald Trump and realized, yes, these are the times we live in and these are the "leaders" we look to. Sigh.
A lot good be said about Coach K's increasingly imperial behavior. He isn't Bobby Knight, but his sense of sanctimonious entitlement is one of several reasons for the widespread dislike of the Duke basketball program.
Yet the article only discusses this one incident, which is noteworthy really only because of Coach K's initial dishonesty in describing the incident.
The other night as I watched one pompous coach after another gesticulating, yelling, often wandering three feet onto the court during play, I thought of John Wooden. Then I thought of Donald Trump and realized, yes, these are the times we live in and these are the "leaders" we look to. Sigh.
4
I join the many who dislike the Duke/Coach K sanctimonious entitlement and the suspicion that refs have an attitude of "when in doubt give the call to Duke". Perhaps a lot of runs who normally don't want to see anyone run up the score were happy to see it done to Duke.
I also agree with the writer who preferred Bob Knight's "honest ugliness". Whether good or bad Knight is always authentic. This incident was a rare time that Coach K was. he showed he's as much of a sore loser as the rest of us. Otherwise Coach K is like any other carefully packaged politician.
I also agree with the writer who preferred Bob Knight's "honest ugliness". Whether good or bad Knight is always authentic. This incident was a rare time that Coach K was. he showed he's as much of a sore loser as the rest of us. Otherwise Coach K is like any other carefully packaged politician.
1
the coach is a liar -period. if not for the recording, truth would not be known. what else has mike lied about?
4
Free speech? This article is a perfect example of why the NYT should stay out of sports reporting: awkwardly shoehorning legitimate social causes into the most banal interactions during a GAME does not make for great reporting.
Also I know it's en vogue to dismiss the entire life of an incredibly accomplished person and condemn him to derision based on a single hour of his life, but maybe people could try using their brains and think for themselves rather than blindly following whatever the article tells you to feel.
Also I know it's en vogue to dismiss the entire life of an incredibly accomplished person and condemn him to derision based on a single hour of his life, but maybe people could try using their brains and think for themselves rather than blindly following whatever the article tells you to feel.
10
I think this article is really unfair. Coach K is well respected because he has more college wins than anyone else. He complimented the kid, and then said basically show good sportsmanship. I think he saw it as a teachable moment and used it. The kid seemed to take it as just that. And the use of the word kid here is deliberate, lets remember these athletes (making millions of dollars for their schools) are 18-22 years old. I'm just sad Coach K lied about the exchange initially.
10
"Takes one to know one." Get over Knight blowing you off. These coaches have contributed more to American youth and prestige than a thousand reporters.
3
It's sports. Entertainment. In no what does it contribute to American prestige, and it is debatable how much it contribute to American youth. Would you say the same of Brittney Spears? Should we have scholarships for other types of entertainers? What makes one great and the other not? You like one type better?
Granted, sports reporters add no more. But reporters in general do. They are a critical part of our democracy.
Granted, sports reporters add no more. But reporters in general do. They are a critical part of our democracy.
1
Bob Knight had it right more than 25 years ago. And today, no coach needs to gain the approval of William Rhoden and the New York Times.
4
Why does the NYT hate Duke?
2
I don't think Rhoden speaks for the NYT. He's just one columnist among many that write for the NYT.
It's a minor miracle that Duke is out this early. As the favorite son team the NCAA does everything it can to keep them in as long as possible. If there is any doubt in your mind about that, refer to the oft repeated phrase by sports commentators: "Duke gets calls." It may be a 'game', but it is not necessarily played on an equal basis. Frustration at not getting his rightful advancement in the tournament may have spurred coach K's inappropriate remark.
4
Well, I think abusive "emperor coaches" should be dealt with, and have way too much pull and immunity from criticism on many campuses, this anecdote took quite a lot of build up to be made the center of a story. A free speech issue? How?
1
These people build their empires by exploiting young people who rarely, if ever, profit from them. They are exposed as frauds every time they enter the real world and don't adjust their behavior accordingly.
2
Just as with professional sports, money has become the force that propels Division 1 college sports. Where does the money come from? From television and advertising contracts. Whatever Duke pays coach K, it's a lot less than what he gets from syndicated shows/columns or contracts with Nike, Gatorade or whatever. When you are given imperial power over young men and are paid imperial wealth for your efforts and emerge successfully from imperial battles with other schools and coaches, well yeah, your thinking of who you are and what you do gets a bit warped. Coach K did not create this system, he's just been extraordinarily successful at mastering it. Anyone who has been around and paid attention has seen the "emperor complex" in sports, business, finance, politics, indeed within any hierarchical system in which power and authority are available and obtainable.
2
Big deal. K was torqued off at the end of a blowout and the kid made a bush league move. Running up the score never looks good. Really nothing here.
4
Molehill.
4
In the spirit of Easter, Coach K denied (only once though and the media did the crowing). That was his sin. It was not telling a young man to act like he'd been there before (to which the young man agreed).
3
Let's be honest, Mr. Rhodes wanted to name his column "Mike Krzyzewski, the Plantation Coach", but his editors wouldn't let him. Because what he really wanted to say was that Coach K is just another example of how racist white coaches don't understand, or take advantage of, poor inner city black youth. When to the rest of the sporting world, Coach K did nothing more than tell a very good basketball player he didn't need to showboat.
6
and then the coach lied about what he said.
1
Why are you making this all about race? It's about the honesty of a grown man vs. the honesty of a kid. The grown man failed the test.
1
Gone are the days when sports writers knew about sports and wrote about sports. What a shame.
5
I guess there wasn't any about Deflategate to write about. You pick a coach who made a mistake and apologized to the three people involved. Good job.
3
Ho Hum.....a coach says something he regrets at the end of a disappointing game and apologizes. Bennet said it best: mountain out of a molehill. Surely, there are better stories coming out of the NCAA tournament or is it just that it's news whenever Duke loses and even more so when K. loses his cool?
3
NCAA sports, a paragon of virtue. Where to start? Pro athletics for everybody except the players. A joke.
3
Emperor? Fee Speech? Consider the source of this opinion: a Tiki Baber apologist. Time has passed, proven you wrong (again), any yet in your world and by your definitions Eli Manning is Imperious having transcended from one unable to lead a team. (Yes, we in Oxford, Mississippi actually read The New York Times and have a long memory). Ridiculous article.
5
Probably not right for Coach K to have made the comment to the kid. Even worse that he denied it. Lessons: Careful what you say and assume cam/mic is on you, always. How important is this "story"? Not worth the space and all the airtime it has received.
5
Apparently, the emperor had no clothes when he stood by as the Duke lacrosse coach was villified and lost his job. Coach K was the only one during that insanity who could have said, "hold on, wait for the facts." But he was a no-show.
Of course, this is "much ado about nothing" except there really is the issue of sportsmanship. I've never before seen a player take a shot, never mind a three-point one, with the game well in hand and time running out. Never! In all cases, save this one the player dribbles unguarded and time runs out. This was unsportsmanlike and I can see why Coach K was angry not by losing, but being humiliated. So, his anger got the better of him, but I think he did lecture Dillon Brooks on the important etiquette to "respect the game." So, if there's an "emperor" here it's Mr. Rhoden who has been exposed for having no clothes to attack a man doing his job mentoring players both on and off the court.
6
I agree with Paul 100% Rhoden this article seems to be more about you than coach K. I'm no fan of Duke but the coach was week within his boundaries to speak to Dillon.
3
Rhoden,
There is always something about coach K you don't like.
When he was coaching the national team to 2 Olympic gold medals, you try to undercut him by saying it's the players who won.
Guy's a winner. His record speaks for itself. And respected by some of our best basketball players we ever had like Kobe and LeBron.
He aint a loser like your favorite Isiah Thomas or Derek Fisher.
There is always something about coach K you don't like.
When he was coaching the national team to 2 Olympic gold medals, you try to undercut him by saying it's the players who won.
Guy's a winner. His record speaks for itself. And respected by some of our best basketball players we ever had like Kobe and LeBron.
He aint a loser like your favorite Isiah Thomas or Derek Fisher.
9
Coach K's advice may have been unwanted, and it may have been not his place to give it, but it was, IMHO, good advice. Having said that, I do not see that exchange as particularly significant of Coach K's character, it was intended to be private and useful. Much more indicative of his character were his compliments to "the losers" after Duke beat UConn. His public statements then made many UConn fans feel like winners. And isn't that what good coaches do? Teach us to endure losing, and to be generous in winning?
11
Before Coach Krzyzewski starts talking to other teams' players about having class, he needs to talk to his own fans at home games.
9
He does when he hears things that he thinks cross the line. I have seen him do it.
1
Everyone is missing that Coack K wasn't addressing the shot that Dillon Brooks took, but his actions after. The shot was sort of iffy, but taking the shot clock violation isn't something everyone is going to automatically do in that situation. I'm fine with the shot either way, but go back and watch the video - immediately after making the uncontested shot, Brooks turns, looks directly at the Duke bench, and makes the "3 goggles" sign. Whether or not you agree with Coach K or not, I'm almost sure he was addressing the unsportsmanlike actions directed at the Duke bench, not the shot itself.
17
Could be. But I remember JJ Redick's fan-taunting when he was at Duke. Much worse than this. Fortunately, Redick grew up after Duke and became a valuable NBA player with a great attitude.
1
Based on the behavior of some of Coach K's former and current players, look at who is calling the kettle black? I guess Duke and Coach K didn't appreciate that their quest for an NCAA titled was "tripped up" by a bunch of Ducks.
4
College players being arrested left and right. College players with very questionable academic requirements and performance. Why harp on a coach doing what he is supposed to do for a student? Trying to teach him basic sportsmanship? Is not that part of his role as teacher, or is it merely to provide ESPN highlight clips?
8
I'm not a particular fan of Coach K but this article seems exaggerated, written by an emperor sports columnist who has apparently waited years to write this take-down. Yes, obviously, Coach K has an ego, and was speaking from frustration; and, yes, he's likely being somewhat hypocritical. But don't we want coaches to be educators? And don't we want players to be students? Part of it simply seems like an adult relaying a sports ethic to a young man, and the young man accepting it graciously. Coach K later apologized to the other coach, the player, and the journalist for denying it; case closed. With all the arrogance, corruption, and money in sports, this moment hardly seems worth an article/editorial in the Times.
15
Sure, if I was Coach K, and if my team was just trounced, I might have said a word to the kid. Only out of frustration and pettiness, but I might have said something. Problem is, though, I would have looked at it later like I was yelling at someone else's kid. Not my job. I would like to think I would have apologized, too.
5
What was actually newsworthy about this game is that it was played between
1AM and 3:30 AM Duke time. Coach Williams was complaining about a late start time for a UNC game i.e. 10PM; K chose not to comment. CBS/Turner set the schedule, there were several days between games but that is not enough to blunt the circadian cycle let alone make up for the sleep cycle differential between teams. These are unpaid students and that is taking exploitation too far.
The NYT splattered their yellow pages up against Duke Blue with the lacrosse hoax. Get over it, move on, you can never come back across that yellow line.
Oh and run your next marathon starting at 1 AM,
1AM and 3:30 AM Duke time. Coach Williams was complaining about a late start time for a UNC game i.e. 10PM; K chose not to comment. CBS/Turner set the schedule, there were several days between games but that is not enough to blunt the circadian cycle let alone make up for the sleep cycle differential between teams. These are unpaid students and that is taking exploitation too far.
The NYT splattered their yellow pages up against Duke Blue with the lacrosse hoax. Get over it, move on, you can never come back across that yellow line.
Oh and run your next marathon starting at 1 AM,
5
Game started at 10:00 PM, EST (aka "Duke time")
3
Virginia's Tony Bennett had it right: Making a mountain out of a molehill.
Coach K obviously meant his comment to Dillon to be a private one, and it was not said in anger -- in some ways it was perhaps a poorly-executed compliment ("You're too good a player..."). Coach K was wrong to deny his remarks and right to apologize to the Oregon coach and players after CBS rolled the videotape and made this brief exchange into a national media event (Gotcha!).
The writer of this article joined the rest of the sports media in making a mountain out of a molehill. Get over it and move on.
Coach K obviously meant his comment to Dillon to be a private one, and it was not said in anger -- in some ways it was perhaps a poorly-executed compliment ("You're too good a player..."). Coach K was wrong to deny his remarks and right to apologize to the Oregon coach and players after CBS rolled the videotape and made this brief exchange into a national media event (Gotcha!).
The writer of this article joined the rest of the sports media in making a mountain out of a molehill. Get over it and move on.
9
Always felt that coaches are unnecessary. The players, if they're truly good, can figure it out on their own.
I wish Brooks had patted Mike on the chest and told him that he shouldn't bitterly whine about every call against his team or coach his players to flop at any contact. A "teachable moment" for K.
4
Wow! I can't believe that of all the possible stories to write about this year's March Madness, Mr Holden chooses to waste everyone's time with one non consequential episode which Virginia's Coach Bennett rightly categorizes as, " Making a mountain out of a molehill".
I wonder what Coach K supposedly did to Mr Holden , (maybe not answer a question to Holden's satisfaction) to warrant this hatchet job of a story.
Sounds like sorry grapes to me.
Coach K's legacy at West Point and at Duke speaks for itself.
I wonder what Coach K supposedly did to Mr Holden , (maybe not answer a question to Holden's satisfaction) to warrant this hatchet job of a story.
Sounds like sorry grapes to me.
Coach K's legacy at West Point and at Duke speaks for itself.
9
The bigger issue is this: powerful person tried to make student/player look like a liar and use his stature as a legendary coach to make it stick. That is a big problem and sets a terrible example to student players and the public at large. It's shameful. The kid told the truth and the big coach is a liar when he thinks no one is looking.
15
Sooner or later we'll get around to finding a way to enforce the Commandment about False Witness and Lies.
Maybe we need an online equivalent of the old stocks where the offender is held captive in the public square and subjected to unrestrained insult.
Maybe we need an online equivalent of the old stocks where the offender is held captive in the public square and subjected to unrestrained insult.
3
Emperor's become the way that they do, because they are treated if not reverentially by the media then preferentially, if the media would refrain from turning these human beings into living Saints, If the media would hold these people up to the spotlight of criticism then their ego would be held in check. treat every man as you wish to be treated, and let no man be held above the power of criticism. Mistakes should not be covered up, they should be revealed. No human being is perfect, though the media ( in this case the sports media) would have us think otherwise.
He apologized to everyone. Why is this a story?
17
it is a story because he initially denied saying the very thing that audio proved he said. Who is he to be telling another team's player what the player should or should not do? He coaches hos own team, not the opponents.
1
It's a story because a code violation by an authority figure must draw endless denouciation and chastisement by the saints of journalism. Indeed, it was not proper for coach K to deliver the rebuke, but no one can rely on the kid's own coach to do it in this hypersensitive era. Great to hear the kid admit his error, more than Rhoden could do.
1
The picture that goes along with this article says it all. Time for the Coach to move on.
3
Not likely, as he is at the top of his profession. One season removed from his fifth national championship, he will be coaching Team USA this summer, then #1 ranked recruiting class at Duke next year.
2
Shot or no shot, a lie is a lie is a lie. Coach K fell far in my eyes with this incident. He only owns up to his remarks after being caught on audio tape?! Meanwhile, he leaves the young ball player twisting in the wind, suggesting that not only is he a showboater but also a lier? Pathetic. Not a sign of strength or leadership.
81
I agree with you about emperor coaches. Paid way too much and are given way too much attention and prestige. I also hate the way they prowl along the sidelines coming onto the court constantly yelling at the players. And then all the needless timeouts near the end of the game which they seem to think are so important. College basketball has become way too much about the coaches.
6
The entire premise of this article, "Emperor Coaches," was the writer's excuse to let us all know that he once got under Coach Knight's skin.
And "strike a blow for free speech?" Whatever, man.
And "strike a blow for free speech?" Whatever, man.
17
All hail the Emperor.
Even on Pardon the Interruption, where Mr. Kornheiser and Mr. Wilbon call out all wrong doers, tell us how virtuous Coach Krzyzewski is for teaching the player the right thing.
Losing is a bitter pill to swallow and it is easy to display sportsmanship after a win, not so easy after loss. Coach K failed the test and Mr Kornheiser and Mr Wilbon failed too.
Btw Coach Krzyzewski appears on the show.
Even on Pardon the Interruption, where Mr. Kornheiser and Mr. Wilbon call out all wrong doers, tell us how virtuous Coach Krzyzewski is for teaching the player the right thing.
Losing is a bitter pill to swallow and it is easy to display sportsmanship after a win, not so easy after loss. Coach K failed the test and Mr Kornheiser and Mr Wilbon failed too.
Btw Coach Krzyzewski appears on the show.
9
The writer misrepresents the issue. Coach K didn't reprimand Brooks for taking the shot. He objected to the player's posturing and in-your-face celebrating after he made it. Brooks agreed.
In the aftermath, K apologized. So whatever one thinks of the incident, Tony Bennett got it right: "mountain out of a molehill."
In the aftermath, K apologized. So whatever one thinks of the incident, Tony Bennett got it right: "mountain out of a molehill."
12
He lied, right? I agree with what he said, but not when he said it. Coach K is a hard loser.
2
Unacceptable. Whether Coach K should have said it or not is debatable. I agree that most would fall down on the side of not. It's not his team. It's not his player. And as your article points out he's doing because he feels he can. What is not debatable is doing it and lying about it. He clearly lacks integrity. One has to feel without audio he would stick to his story and doubt would be placed on a player. It should also be noted that one of his players, a season long problem child would not slake hands at the end of the game. So in the end the emperor coach is wrong for talking with another's team player, lying, and a hypocrite for not dealing with his own player. And we talk about issues with college sports and atheletes. Don't give emperor coaches a free pass.
14
There is no doubt that Coach K had a bad night. He definitely tried to hide the fact that he dressed down Brooks. I'm not sure why, as the advice he gave was sound and certainly within his purview as a hall of fame coach in the presence of a talented young player who needs some mentoring. Brooks' subsequent comments indicate that he took K's advice. Unlike so many of our "leaders," K admitted he was wrong and is taking his medicine -- and showing his players and coaches what you do in real time when you screw up.
The attempts to assassinate K's character and history that Rhoden is piggybacking on is the real problem. Take a look at his contemporaries -- Boeheim, Williams, Calipari, Pitino -- all of whom have transgressed in more ways, both personally and professionally, than you could document. Where's the NYT coverage of Williams running a UNC program in which no one went to class? What's worse, that he is lying about his knowledge of this or was so clueless that he didn't even know? Nobody's perfect, but K is better than all of them as a person, educator, and coach. Rhoden embarrassed himself with this piece. He should do similar hit pieces on the others, though each would need to be a multiple article series.
The attempts to assassinate K's character and history that Rhoden is piggybacking on is the real problem. Take a look at his contemporaries -- Boeheim, Williams, Calipari, Pitino -- all of whom have transgressed in more ways, both personally and professionally, than you could document. Where's the NYT coverage of Williams running a UNC program in which no one went to class? What's worse, that he is lying about his knowledge of this or was so clueless that he didn't even know? Nobody's perfect, but K is better than all of them as a person, educator, and coach. Rhoden embarrassed himself with this piece. He should do similar hit pieces on the others, though each would need to be a multiple article series.
10
If Dillon Brooks had intentionally tripped one of the Duke players I could understand the public "dressing down". A last second Hail Mary in a NCAA tourney is not deserving of a reprimand. Lying about it? Maybe K should begin the day with a good Hail Mary, an Act of Contrition is a bit much too ask from such an ego.
20
How ridiculous is your article! In the heat of the moment a coach perhaps makes an error in judgment. Then he apologizes and you call him imperious. You need to do something else with your life rather than hating Duke and Coach K. Pathetic!
20
Not sure he told his lie at the press conference in the heat of the moment.
What did that one guy used to say? "Let's got to the videotape!"
Love it that the recording immediately contradicts the coach's statement.
If we're talking about honor, respect and integrity, then "don't lie" is probably more of a cornerstone than "don't shoot the ball as time is running out." You will be tested more often in life by the former rather than the latter.
Love it that the recording immediately contradicts the coach's statement.
If we're talking about honor, respect and integrity, then "don't lie" is probably more of a cornerstone than "don't shoot the ball as time is running out." You will be tested more often in life by the former rather than the latter.
62
'What did that one guy used to say? "Let's got to the videotape!"'
That was Warner Wolfe, a great sport reporter on NYC news--and a guy who really loved sports!
Another of Wolfe's trademark features was "the Book of the Week". Was Wolfe still alive and doing sports, he'd delight in saying: and 'Boo of the Week of the week,' this week goes to... Mike Krzyzewski!"
That was Warner Wolfe, a great sport reporter on NYC news--and a guy who really loved sports!
Another of Wolfe's trademark features was "the Book of the Week". Was Wolfe still alive and doing sports, he'd delight in saying: and 'Boo of the Week of the week,' this week goes to... Mike Krzyzewski!"
1
This just shows that Coack K is human. By and large he has been an exemplary coach and leader of the Duke program -- over decades. I can't think of many other instances of bad behavior from him. In fact, I can't even think of one.
But one transgression and bam! He's the real devil. Comparable to Bobby Knight - by the author - and Donald Trump - by the Duke haters. And fair game for ad hominem attacks about his hair and age in these comments.
The other thing this shows is that William C. Rhoden is human too. He obviously doesn't like Coach K or Duke. Probably too white.
But, one little transgression, for which he apologized, and Coach K is Bobby Knight. Bobby Knight? A man whose bad behavior can fill volumes? Come on Mr. Rhoden. You're pouncing is out of proportion and transparent.
In defense of Coach K, his bad behavior was spurred by the emotionalism of the moment. But, Mr. Rhoden. You had time to reflect and sharpen your pen.
But one transgression and bam! He's the real devil. Comparable to Bobby Knight - by the author - and Donald Trump - by the Duke haters. And fair game for ad hominem attacks about his hair and age in these comments.
The other thing this shows is that William C. Rhoden is human too. He obviously doesn't like Coach K or Duke. Probably too white.
But, one little transgression, for which he apologized, and Coach K is Bobby Knight. Bobby Knight? A man whose bad behavior can fill volumes? Come on Mr. Rhoden. You're pouncing is out of proportion and transparent.
In defense of Coach K, his bad behavior was spurred by the emotionalism of the moment. But, Mr. Rhoden. You had time to reflect and sharpen your pen.
33
Coach K has spent his life running up scores against opponents and now he can't take it when it happens to him. Somebody call the Whaaaambulance!
27
The existence of "Coach K," and bullies like him, is precisely why I prefer to watch the women play in the tournament.
8
Isn't that special -- watching an inferior product based on a "statement" the underlying facts of which are just not true.
Women and coaches who play at that level are just as competitive as the men.
Do you really think Geno (Connecticut Guy) or Pat Summit aren't super competitive or harsh at times?
Get a grip.
Women and coaches who play at that level are just as competitive as the men.
Do you really think Geno (Connecticut Guy) or Pat Summit aren't super competitive or harsh at times?
Get a grip.
4
You must like 60 point wins
4
The cover up is always worse than the crime...always
9
It's a business. These are the farm teams for the NBA. Players work for free on the off chance they will win the lottery and make it in the pros.
Along the way, the coaches have become virtual gods at their companies/schools. They can do no wrong. Lies - no big deal, unless you happen to get caught then a weak apology will do. Cheat? No problem unless you get caught, then anger is a good response along with whining about how everyone does it. Recruit players that read at a 7th grade level and enroll them in pseudo classes so they can pretend to be student athletes? No problem, so long as they win and the boosters sen in the money.
If the NFL owns Sunday, the NCAA owns March and the masses are o.k. with that.
Along the way, the coaches have become virtual gods at their companies/schools. They can do no wrong. Lies - no big deal, unless you happen to get caught then a weak apology will do. Cheat? No problem unless you get caught, then anger is a good response along with whining about how everyone does it. Recruit players that read at a 7th grade level and enroll them in pseudo classes so they can pretend to be student athletes? No problem, so long as they win and the boosters sen in the money.
If the NFL owns Sunday, the NCAA owns March and the masses are o.k. with that.
3
Not the first time Krzyzewski was caught on tape.
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/24/sports/coach-k-gives-stately-duke-an-u...
http://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/24/sports/coach-k-gives-stately-duke-an-u...
4
As a Duke grad, I think Coach K was totally out of line, both in dressing down the opposing player and the lying about it. He went against the "leadership" gospel he preaches and reverted to his Bobby Knight roots.
I'm probably the only alum who would like to see Duke give up athletic scholarships and compete at a lower level with those who come for an education. For those who followed the teams, it would be just as engaging but on a smaller stage. Meanwhile, sure, I'm a fan, but disappointed in Coach K.
I'm probably the only alum who would like to see Duke give up athletic scholarships and compete at a lower level with those who come for an education. For those who followed the teams, it would be just as engaging but on a smaller stage. Meanwhile, sure, I'm a fan, but disappointed in Coach K.
11
Bravo! University of Chicago led the way. Many other elite universities should do the same. The sports doesn't help the academic product.
I'm a Duke grad, and I agree with you.
Do a public dressing down of your own player Grayson Allen that has a compulsive problem 'accidentally' tripping opponents. Then I would be happy to see you correct the opposing team's players for making a basket that you found distasteful. Full disclosure, I am a Virginia Fan.
13
Exposed.
Fun to watch the phony showman scramble and go to his playbook on this one. It will be a good day for college basketball when this self-righteous bully finally leaves.
Fun to watch the phony showman scramble and go to his playbook on this one. It will be a good day for college basketball when this self-righteous bully finally leaves.
I'm not a fan of Coach K: I don't care for his profane language on the sideline. He may have won more games, but with respect to character, he's not in the same league as Dean Smith or John Wooden. Further, his adoption of the "one and done" approach makes a mockery of the ideal of the "student-athlete". I think he deserves a pass on this incident, however. I believe he was merely trying to keep his comment in confidence, out of respect to the young man - who probably should have done the same.
4
Dean Smith's "character"... providing his players with non-existent paper classes, lol. That's a good one Joseph. Oh, and John Wooden, providing his players with Sam Gilbert. Yes, those are some high character guys right there.
2
To be fair, the paper classes at UNC appear to be mostly (but not entirely) for football, and happened after Coach Smith's retirement.
Yet I am of the school that thinks that successful programs are merely those that haven't be caught yet. Maybe that's because I was at University of Washington when they won national football titles, then had them taken away. It's really just a matter of whether these guys get caught. For example, how many times did John Calipari have to break NCAA rules and leave one step ahead of the law? I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop at Kentucky.
Yet I am of the school that thinks that successful programs are merely those that haven't be caught yet. Maybe that's because I was at University of Washington when they won national football titles, then had them taken away. It's really just a matter of whether these guys get caught. For example, how many times did John Calipari have to break NCAA rules and leave one step ahead of the law? I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop at Kentucky.
Coach K. has certainly shifted his philosophy over the years, embracing the 'one and done' rule. Last year he referred to college basketball as a 'business', in retort to Bo Ryan's comments. Next year Duke has the top two recruits in the country. You don't have to have that to play great basketball, so Coach K. opens himself up to some resentment. Enough said. It would be wrong, though, to suggest that the article writer Rhoden is any sort of high minded guy. This sort of article is his own version of the 'one and done', a sanctimonious piece by the emperor reporter.
5
The article doesn't justify its title. I'm disappointed with the Times for lowering itself to such sensationalist headlining. As for those commenters who say Coach K was "mad at" Dillon, they might want to consider the possibility that K was giving some well-intentioned advice. After all his experience with players on both the college and NBA levels (Olympics, remember), he might know a thing or two about how a shot like that might be taken by opposing players. If you watch a clip of the moment, you'll see the Duke players had backed off Dillon and weren't guarding him at all. How do you suppose his taking the shot under such circumstances makes him look to the vast majority of ball players? His coach made a big mistake in telling him to shoot, and Dillon clearly knows that now.
11
Is Coach K something of a fraud? Yes, almost certainly. Did he lie about what he said to Brooks? Yes, he did that, too,
That said, Brooks was being a jerk, woofing and celebrating making that last shot--a shot I don't begrudge him--even though none of the Duke players was defending him. He then tried to envelop Grayson Allen in an unwanted hug.
A little lecture about sportsmanship was thus in order here--Brooks himself admitted as much--although Coach K was perhaps not the one to deliver it.
That said, Brooks was being a jerk, woofing and celebrating making that last shot--a shot I don't begrudge him--even though none of the Duke players was defending him. He then tried to envelop Grayson Allen in an unwanted hug.
A little lecture about sportsmanship was thus in order here--Brooks himself admitted as much--although Coach K was perhaps not the one to deliver it.
6
Not a surprise that the nearly sainted Coach K would have so many defenders.
However I am shocked they would defend his scolding of another player, after the game during handshakes.
BTW - what was Brooks supposed to do, hold the ball until the shot clock run out. I've been watching CBB for 35 years and don't remember ever seeing that happen.
However I am shocked they would defend his scolding of another player, after the game during handshakes.
BTW - what was Brooks supposed to do, hold the ball until the shot clock run out. I've been watching CBB for 35 years and don't remember ever seeing that happen.
3
No, here the shot clock was off, game clock was ticking last few seconds, Ducks ball and game. In 35 years, how many times have you seen a player hold the ball to the buzzer or launch it to the ceiling? 99.9% Oregon coach said "shoot it"!! Classless on the coach's part, player gets a pass for just being a very happy kid.
And Krzyzewski IS the best in the game.
And Krzyzewski IS the best in the game.
3
Coach K, with his history, certainly can't gripe about an opposing player running up the score. As a "winner," he is probably also a poor loser, and perhaps the disappointment got the best of his adult self-control. I just hope his ill-considered "advice" to a young player did not put a damper on the young man's next game....
1
Although I've never cared for Duke, calling Krzyzewski an "emperor coach" based on this one comment seems absurd. As the article notes, some players & coaches for other teams don't think there was anything wrong with what he said.
The article also notes that Krzyzewski apologized. So what's the big deal? Coaches are human, are they supposed to never make mistakes? At least Krzyzewski made what sounds like an honest, straightforward apology, unlike many sports figures who make vague, wimpy "I'm sorry if anyone was offended" "apologies."
I agree with the Virginia coach: this is all "Making a mountain out of a molehill." Considering Mr. Rhoden's to make complaints like this about people with whom he disagrees, maybe we should call him an "emperor reporter."
The article also notes that Krzyzewski apologized. So what's the big deal? Coaches are human, are they supposed to never make mistakes? At least Krzyzewski made what sounds like an honest, straightforward apology, unlike many sports figures who make vague, wimpy "I'm sorry if anyone was offended" "apologies."
I agree with the Virginia coach: this is all "Making a mountain out of a molehill." Considering Mr. Rhoden's to make complaints like this about people with whom he disagrees, maybe we should call him an "emperor reporter."
5
This article is absurd. The media has definitely made a mountain out of a molehill on this. Coach K is an "emporer" for encouraging a player to win with class? Completely absurd.
Oh yeah, I forgot, this is the Times: the anti-Duke bastion of Manhattan. I wonder how those three lacrosse players felt about "free speech" when the Times engaged in its witch hunt ten years ago.
Oh yeah, I forgot, this is the Times: the anti-Duke bastion of Manhattan. I wonder how those three lacrosse players felt about "free speech" when the Times engaged in its witch hunt ten years ago.
9
There is a stunning similarity between Donald Trump and Michael Edward Krzyzewski.
Both are all powerful in their respective domain, and neither tells the truth.
Trump would not be the first liar in The White House... ask Monica Lewinsky...
Or the family of Vince Foster.
How many kids at Duke are subjected to lying coaches...
Lacrosse - and basketball... what else?
Both are all powerful in their respective domain, and neither tells the truth.
Trump would not be the first liar in The White House... ask Monica Lewinsky...
Or the family of Vince Foster.
How many kids at Duke are subjected to lying coaches...
Lacrosse - and basketball... what else?
Yikes. You seem upset. How did Vince foster get into this?
4
It is a cardinal rule in team sport: the coach of team A does not rip the player of Team B. That's not done. He can praise, but he cannot condemn.
It is also a cardinal rule of sportsmanship that the coach does not lie - about doing just that...
If the player student lies, he is suspended...
The wealthy coach, Michael William Krzyzewski, 69, sought out a player, one of the best on a team that just proved itself more able - and criticized him.
Then Coach K lied about what he did.
The coach bullied and then lied, saying that he did not do exactly what he did.
Then he apologized to the world and more or less admitted that he had lied.
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." said Lord Acton ...
This great man coach rules at Duke University.
I can recall no such incident in any sport.
I might have expected this behavior of George Steinbrenner when he was firing Billy Martin for the 5th time.
We should be able to ask the Deity of Duke to set the example.
It is also a cardinal rule of sportsmanship that the coach does not lie - about doing just that...
If the player student lies, he is suspended...
The wealthy coach, Michael William Krzyzewski, 69, sought out a player, one of the best on a team that just proved itself more able - and criticized him.
Then Coach K lied about what he did.
The coach bullied and then lied, saying that he did not do exactly what he did.
Then he apologized to the world and more or less admitted that he had lied.
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." said Lord Acton ...
This great man coach rules at Duke University.
I can recall no such incident in any sport.
I might have expected this behavior of George Steinbrenner when he was firing Billy Martin for the 5th time.
We should be able to ask the Deity of Duke to set the example.
3
I can't agree with the criticism of the Duke coach. It's just good sportsmanship to avoid scoring when the outcome is clearly decided. You'll see NFL quarterbacks take a knee, and the bottom of the ninth isn't played if the home team is ahead. On the other hand, while a coach may make a suggestion to an opposing player, he should certainly not publicly embarrass that player in the media, and it's understandable to try to keep the comment private. All the player needed to do was to respectfully nod and say "yes, sir", and move on. That he decided instead to talk to reporters about it seems consistent with his actions at the end of the game.
When the substance of the interchange was made public by others, Coach K appropriately apologized publicly.
Duke, like the Yankees, is a team some people love to hate, but any objective follower of college basketball will tell you that Mike Krzyzewski is no Bobby Knight.
When the substance of the interchange was made public by others, Coach K appropriately apologized publicly.
Duke, like the Yankees, is a team some people love to hate, but any objective follower of college basketball will tell you that Mike Krzyzewski is no Bobby Knight.
5
On this issue, this emperor has no clothes.
Coach K lied, at first making Brooks look bad in public. Coach K only came clean after the audio recording surfaced. He can be a real jerk; see also his "amazing" interview after the Syracuse game (not that I like Syracuse).
2
Nicely done.
Pathetic.
Coach K is a disaster for education… and his influence at Duke is sickening.
Let’s read more and more of this, please. The students do not have a voice.
Pathetic.
Coach K is a disaster for education… and his influence at Duke is sickening.
Let’s read more and more of this, please. The students do not have a voice.
31
People at Duke don't see it that way. The way they look at it, in 2015 Paul Modrich won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and Coach K won an NCAA basketball championship within 6 months of each other.
But keep on making your hair dye jokes (see below). They're hilarious!
But keep on making your hair dye jokes (see below). They're hilarious!
14
The students--aka the Cameron Crazies--have a voice, and it would be it's generally used to cheer on Krzyzewski and his teams.
1
Coach K getting mad at the kid is ridiculous. Any basketball player with half a brain would hold the ball if the shot clock was off, but there was a 6 second difference between the shot clock and game clock.
Also the quotes in this were horrible. Bennett's not going to publicly criticize Coach K, especially when they're in the same conference/he hadn't even seen the clip in the first quote...
Also the quotes in this were horrible. Bennett's not going to publicly criticize Coach K, especially when they're in the same conference/he hadn't even seen the clip in the first quote...
4
We already know Coach K is full of himself. But, the main point of this matter is that he lied. When directly asked whether he chastised the Oregon player, as the Oregon player said, he denied it. Which means he was basically calling the kid a liar. Finally, AFTER he was caught on video/audio that confirmed the truth of what the Oregon kid said, he fessed up. Note exactly exemplary behavior you want to impress upon your charges as a supposed great coach. Bush league, boorish behavior ...
152
Of course he couldn't say "I lied." He said something about "reacting incorrectly."
As my high school friends would have said, "what a putz."
As my high school friends would have said, "what a putz."
2
Not a time for Coach K to dress down Dillon Brooks. It was the Round of 16 and Oregon was facing the defending champions. It was okay for Brooks to get excited and celebrate and take a long three pointer for fun at the end. Coach K gets paid millions to coach. Brooks gets paid nothing. Brooks earned a little celebration, and that's all it was, it was not disrespectful, it was not mean-spirited, it was not directed toward Duke in a negative way. So Coach K had no reason to take it that way. Coach K should have recognized a deserved win by a better team and congratulated Brooks on his good game.
213
I saw this when it happened and it was clear from the player's reaction that he got dressed down. Then coach K lied about it. He lied. Period. I lost a lot of respect for coach K after that. He blamed the reporter for brining it up and then lied.
Enough with lying to reporters and then blaming the reporters for reporting. You wanna be a king and act all holy, then do a simple and basic thing: tell the truth. Hard? No. Not hard, coach.
Enough with lying to reporters and then blaming the reporters for reporting. You wanna be a king and act all holy, then do a simple and basic thing: tell the truth. Hard? No. Not hard, coach.
169
Coach K not only lied. He said that Brooks lied.
1
Education at The University of Chicago leaves no doubt. Robert Maynard Hutchins tossed Big Ten football. Amos Alonzo Stag retired... Rockefeller influence was squelched. Duke is the polar opposite. The Price of Silence by William D. Cohan treats Coach K... and Duke U. No one is ignored in the book. The Duke Lacrosse Scandal, the Power of the Elite, and the Corruption of Our Great Universities -"That's a lot of money for a party. They bought a lot of silence with that 100 million dollars." For the rape that was not... and the press going nuts.
Mike Krzyzewski, the Emperor Coach, epitomizes the destructive influence of sport on campus today. This is about TV money. It's about money for the school, the coach, the sport, and not education for the student. And the most money is made by the Duke of Darkness, Michael William Krzysewski, who earns millions a year, far more than the schools administrators and best professors.
Follow the money, said Sam Spade.
When the bully coach lectures the other team's best, it's time for that man to find himself something else to do.
Coach K is a destructive force... overwhelming the peons that run education today.
Mike Krzyzewski, the Emperor Coach, epitomizes the destructive influence of sport on campus today. This is about TV money. It's about money for the school, the coach, the sport, and not education for the student. And the most money is made by the Duke of Darkness, Michael William Krzysewski, who earns millions a year, far more than the schools administrators and best professors.
Follow the money, said Sam Spade.
When the bully coach lectures the other team's best, it's time for that man to find himself something else to do.
Coach K is a destructive force... overwhelming the peons that run education today.
26
His father was , no doubt, more humble as a elevator operator in Chicago.
Given the indentured four-year servitude of extremely underpaid and mostly poor university basketball players to their multi-millionaire coach "owners," this can all be viewed through the lens of slavery, with coaches like Coach K being a nicer version of the master. Nice work if you can get it. Here in this case we have a window into owners fighting over whether one owner's "property" offended another owner and who should punish the offense.
If Coach K were truly a players' coach, he'd advocate reforming the system so that players get a living wage and 1 percenters like him and Knight don't become multi-millionaires on the backs of generations and generations of young men.
If Coach K were truly a players' coach, he'd advocate reforming the system so that players get a living wage and 1 percenters like him and Knight don't become multi-millionaires on the backs of generations and generations of young men.
65
Hold on, sir. You can say what you want about Bob Knight throwing chairs, but you cannot attack him on his student athlete focus. Besides winning championships with teams that produced very few NBA stars, his players GRADUATED, prepared for real life after the gym lights were turned off.
Do your research before smearing him with Coach K's brush.
Do your research before smearing him with Coach K's brush.
1
[[Steve Canada
Given the indentured four-year servitude of extremely underpaid and mostly poor university basketball players to their multi-millionaire coach "owners," this can all be viewed through the lens of slavery, with coaches like Coach K being a nicer version of the master.]]
That's a bit much, I think, comparing actual slaves with kids on full ride scholarships at a major university and a shot at multi-million dollar contracts in the NBA.
In fact, the coaches are lucky if a kid stays at school more than a couple of years before jumping to the pro level.
So much for "ownership."
Given the indentured four-year servitude of extremely underpaid and mostly poor university basketball players to their multi-millionaire coach "owners," this can all be viewed through the lens of slavery, with coaches like Coach K being a nicer version of the master.]]
That's a bit much, I think, comparing actual slaves with kids on full ride scholarships at a major university and a shot at multi-million dollar contracts in the NBA.
In fact, the coaches are lucky if a kid stays at school more than a couple of years before jumping to the pro level.
So much for "ownership."
2
Thank you, Steve. Leave it to a Canadian to have the clear perspective to see this particular incident in the far more important context of the current state of "big-time" sports at U.S. colleges and universities. You are channeling the oft-repeated, and oh-so-necessary message of Joe Nocera (of this newspaper). I simply could not agree more with you and Mr. Nocera. Over the decades, the "system" (i.e. NCAA, the conferences, and the schools, themselves) has been "corrupted", in every sense of the word. Big changes need to be made...and soon.
The writer just seems to have a hard time with winning coaches who demand good behavior from players. The writer would have had a very hard time with Vince Lombardi. Go Coach K - you aren't imperial at all, that is just a writer's hook for a story.
16
Yeah, but he's lying....and calling at the player a liar, too. Lying isn't part of good behavior. If Coach K had said, "Yeah, I told him I thought shooting at the end of the shot clock made him look bad," well, sure. Instead? He lies, and calls a student an liar. That's crappy behavior, and I'd defy you to find a time when Lombardi did the same.
1
Good behavior??...how about lying directly to a reporter and only apologizing once he was caught. That's not a hook, we all saw it.
You missed the points, Lorenzo.
Krzyzewski admonished an opposing team's player, which is not his right.
Then he lied about it, which is wrong.
Then he lashed out at a reporter for doing his job, also wrong.
The only thing K did right was apologise when he was caught out; otherwise, Rhoden's article is spot on.
Krzyzewski admonished an opposing team's player, which is not his right.
Then he lied about it, which is wrong.
Then he lashed out at a reporter for doing his job, also wrong.
The only thing K did right was apologise when he was caught out; otherwise, Rhoden's article is spot on.
Did the author even watch the game? The shot clock was not off. Rather it was winding down. To avoid a turnover, Dillon Brooks had to do something with the ball before the shot clock expired. So, he listened to his coach and hucked up a shot from 30 feet just as the shot clock expired. Hardly the type of shot intended to run up the score. Encouraged by his teammates, he showed his excitement as the ball went in the basket. The reality of victory set in. He celebrated prematurely, yes, and awkwardly offered an unwelcome hug to Duke player Allen. But he did nothing unsportsmanlike. Coach K was completely out of line and should stick with coaching his own players.
111
So classic - one moment Coach K and his thugs run up the score, and the next he dresses down one who deservedly puts the icing on a well-earned victory. Manning a clever program of collegiate careerists with a sprinkling of one-and-dones and acting school dropout flop artistes does well for cementing one's legacy.
Coach K, may your Rat Army collapse in infamy.
Coach K, may your Rat Army collapse in infamy.
26
[[rattus Vail, CO
So classic - one moment Coach K and his thugs run up the score, and the next he dresses down one who deservedly puts the icing on a well-earned victory.]]
…"thugs"?
So classic - one moment Coach K and his thugs run up the score, and the next he dresses down one who deservedly puts the icing on a well-earned victory.]]
…"thugs"?
1
They do like to trip people.
The primary issue here is that Mr. Krzyzewski misrepresented what he said to the Oregon player, and only came forward with the truth and apologies after the recorded audio proved him wrong. That is unacceptable for anyone, but especially for Mr. Krzyzewski because of the position he is in.
Having said that, I believe Mr. Krzyzewski's track record speaks for itself in a positive way, and as we all know, no one is perfect. His apology should be accepted and that should be the end of this issue.
In my opinion the comparison to Mr. Knight is not accurate, but I wasn't on the receiving end of Mr. Krzyzewski's broadside at the reporter who asked about the incident at the Duke news conference.
Having said that, I believe Mr. Krzyzewski's track record speaks for itself in a positive way, and as we all know, no one is perfect. His apology should be accepted and that should be the end of this issue.
In my opinion the comparison to Mr. Knight is not accurate, but I wasn't on the receiving end of Mr. Krzyzewski's broadside at the reporter who asked about the incident at the Duke news conference.
10
Basketball used to be a beautiful game.
Now too many players show off and too many coaches
run up the score.
A little modesty please.
Now too many players show off and too many coaches
run up the score.
A little modesty please.
5
So Coach K is asking for the "mercy" rule? Maybe his team could have played defense 'til the clock ran out.
14
Nope, not asking for the mercy rule. Asking a kid to respect the game. Brooks was flexing his biceps and cursing at the Duke bench all night.
1
Much ado about nothing.
11
People like Mr. K coach the agitating of a bag of wind. That's all. There is nothing hallowed or sacred or eminently superior about them. Being on tv doesn't make you a role model. 100 years from now, no one will remember or care, but we'll still be reading Shakespeare. Much ado about nothing.
6
Is this really a story.....
5
fact: coach K is a great coach and teacher
fact: coach K said something to the other team's player that he probably shouldn't have
fact: coach K lied about said discussion
fact: coach K only apologized after audio of the interaction became public.
all of the above is true. don't worry, dukies...one can be a great coach and still miss the mark every now and then. it doesn't diminish his achievements and legacy - nor should it. but he did err, and it's ok to say that he did.
fact: coach K said something to the other team's player that he probably shouldn't have
fact: coach K lied about said discussion
fact: coach K only apologized after audio of the interaction became public.
all of the above is true. don't worry, dukies...one can be a great coach and still miss the mark every now and then. it doesn't diminish his achievements and legacy - nor should it. but he did err, and it's ok to say that he did.
6
Actually, it does diminish his legacy. How can it not? He lied about doing something mean to an opposing player simply because he was unhappy about losing. Suppose he had said what he actually claimed to have said. He lied *because* he knew that would have been a better thing to say, something that would, in fact, have burnished his legacy as a coach. The fact that he lied means that he knows he has damaged his reputation and his legacy, whether or not his supporters are willing to admit it.
2
Puzzling article all around, but "strike a blow for free speech"?
The mountain/molehill guy was right. Not much to see here.
The mountain/molehill guy was right. Not much to see here.
6
Coach K was giving humble well-meaning advise to Dillion Brooks about modesty and class. It fits his long career as a coach who teaches character thru sport, which is more important than winning. You win long-term in life thru character. Coach K did not want to embarrass the young man. As if he were speaking to his own son, he gave practical moral advise. In other words: Don't be a show-off if your a great player. Be humble. Not wanting to embarrass the young man by making a public spectacle of a private conversation, he was (unknowingly) in essence, dressing down the Oregon coach who seemed to miss the point of sportsmanship by telling Dillion Brooks to shoot without a defender, when the game was essentially over. The act was spectacle, not sport.
4
Should he add, I coach the U.S. Olympic team, and you just lost your chance of being a part of that? Really, what was the point, it was a meaningless shot that happened to go in.
Coach Krzyzewski did not want to embarrass the young man? He called him a liar on national television when he was the one who lied! It’s hard to see how this reflects anything but shame on Coach Krzyzewski.
Which is worse? A 20-year-old man taking a possibly questionable shot in the excitement of winning a big game, or a long-time coach who holds himself up as some sort of paragon of integrity who lies about his conversation with the young man and tries to throw him under the bus?
Which is worse? A 20-year-old man taking a possibly questionable shot in the excitement of winning a big game, or a long-time coach who holds himself up as some sort of paragon of integrity who lies about his conversation with the young man and tries to throw him under the bus?
4
Really? Did he "teach character" to Laettner and Grayson Allen after their transgressions, or did he give them free passes? By lying, K in effect was calling the Oregon player a liar. Lucky that the video and audio recordings came out showing that he had lied. Only then did K apologize for "inaccurate reaction" to the question posed to him about what the player said. So he didn't apologize, he issued a pseudo apology: saying something that vaguely sounded apologetic without issuing a real apology. So much for teaching character through sport.
7
The shot clock was expiring with a few seconds of game clock left. He shot the ball to avoid a violation -- no big deal.
And if it wasn't a big deal for Coach K to dress the player down some, why did Coach K deny that he said anything, lying by basically calling the player a liar?
And if it wasn't a big deal for Coach K to dress the player down some, why did Coach K deny that he said anything, lying by basically calling the player a liar?
70
Once upon a time, Coach K and Duke were seen as the epitome of a well run, classy program. In the maddening rush to capture TV contact revenue, all the major basketball schools have overpaid their coaches and spent undue sums on athletic facilities. I noticed that Duke now has no problem with the "one-and-done" recruits, which were the main provenance of Kentucky, if it will gain them a championship. Coach K is also silent on his star player who likes to trip opposing players, something the West Point graduate would typically not tolerate. The pressure to succeed must be getting to him and his own frustration with the process is showing. It's time to pay the athletes and drop the charade.
29
Uh, he was not silent on Grayson Allen. A press statement was released from Coach K/Duke after a reprimand from the ACC. Also, Duke had its first one-and-done player in the 1999 season, 17 years ago. Check your facts.
1
There is no doubt that coach Krzyzewski is a great recruiter and a decent coach - his record of championships in the NCAA is shared by few. However, I witnessed a darker side of coach K when I sat near courtside at a Duke game. He hounded the referees all game and, in many instances, used some pretty vile profanity. I am sure this is something that is done by many other coaches - but this wholesome and pure reputation that he tries very hard to keep for himself is somewhat disingenuous.
29
Maybe I'm showing my age, but when I think great coach, I think John Wooden. He was more than anything a teacher who brought out the best in individual players while always playing with a team concept. Success never went to his head and he wasn't just providing an audition for players aiming for the pros. The focus should be on wonderful players, teamwork and great competition, not on coach's records (the team plays and wins or loses the game), the theatrics (highlights of players congratulating themselves and taunting their opponents)) and the big money (coach and pro player contracts, shoe deals and the like). Done right, sports brings success in life - how many players graduate and are successful in careers other than basketball in 10-15 years)? The modern coaches cannot really be blamed for how they are, because they are only responding to what we expect out of them. When big money is the goal, you get what you pay for.
14
Bennet is right: makin' a mountain out of a mole hill. Coach K is an emporer because of a simple comment to a 19 year-old? Come on. It was just an old man telling it like it is to a young man.
3
Non sense.
It's terrible sportsmanship and bullying from a multimillionaire aimed a young man with negative net worth and no education... to protect him from the mendacious so-called educators... that run Duke.
We need to read more and more of this...
Sports and TV are destroying sport.
It's terrible sportsmanship and bullying from a multimillionaire aimed a young man with negative net worth and no education... to protect him from the mendacious so-called educators... that run Duke.
We need to read more and more of this...
Sports and TV are destroying sport.
47
Mr Lewis:
What does the player's net worth have to do with it? If his net worth exceeded that of the coach, the coach's comments still would not be ok.
And the color of the coach's hair has even less to do with it.
You are undermining the points that you are trying to make with irrelevant comments.
What does the player's net worth have to do with it? If his net worth exceeded that of the coach, the coach's comments still would not be ok.
And the color of the coach's hair has even less to do with it.
You are undermining the points that you are trying to make with irrelevant comments.
1
"Bullying" is a popular term these days, isn't it? This isn't a case of bullying. Coack K's point was about sportsmanship. He wasn't being a poor sport; the kid was. K should've stated what he told the player when asked about it at the press conference because he did nothing wrong. Our PC culture has made K think that he was wrong to tell the kid to stop showboating. We all need to take the pacifiers out of our mouths and toughen up.
1
I am not sure calling Dillon Brooks a liar in public is an example of leading by example.
Would he have tolerated one of his cadets playing for the USMA doing the same thing?
I think not. And I believe that Coach Krzyzewski is an honorable for the most part.
The rest of the episode is merely annoying preening by all concerned.
Would he have tolerated one of his cadets playing for the USMA doing the same thing?
I think not. And I believe that Coach Krzyzewski is an honorable for the most part.
The rest of the episode is merely annoying preening by all concerned.
2
Uh, yeah. Knight and Krzyzewski, two white male basketball coaches whose last names begin with K.
What a whale of a story, if only Mr. Rhoden could have found a third "Emperor" who had won the NCAA tournament, yelled at a player, and whose last name began with a K.
What a whale of a story, if only Mr. Rhoden could have found a third "Emperor" who had won the NCAA tournament, yelled at a player, and whose last name began with a K.
3
I was more struck by Dillon Brooks’ comment: “But overall, me and Coach K are professionals …”
Didn’t he mean amateurs? Could it be that Dillon Brooks can smell all of the money sloshing around college basketball, especially during the championship games?
Didn’t he mean amateurs? Could it be that Dillon Brooks can smell all of the money sloshing around college basketball, especially during the championship games?
1
Coach K and Duke are an arrogant bunch.
The reputation of "working the refs" proceeds every Duke basketball game, some have argued without that influence Coach K excerpts, Duke would be down a National Title or two.
Who knows?
One thing is for sure, Coach K and his team know how to win, apparently though they do not know how to lose. Any big time successful athlete or athletic program will honestly tell you; you lose more than win.
That sentiment even goes for the NY Yankees and Duke Basketball.
Coach K's and Duke's latest installment just shows how bad they are at losing.
The reputation of "working the refs" proceeds every Duke basketball game, some have argued without that influence Coach K excerpts, Duke would be down a National Title or two.
Who knows?
One thing is for sure, Coach K and his team know how to win, apparently though they do not know how to lose. Any big time successful athlete or athletic program will honestly tell you; you lose more than win.
That sentiment even goes for the NY Yankees and Duke Basketball.
Coach K's and Duke's latest installment just shows how bad they are at losing.
8
Coach K is the most gracious loser I have ever seen, actually. He heaps praise on opposing teams all the time. Actually went into the Mercer locker room after a first round loss to the Bears in 2013.
1
"Actually went into the Mercer locker room after a first round loss to the Bears in 2013."
Thank you for helping prove the point, the other team's locker room and players are quite frankly none of Coach K's business, NYers called it chutzpah.
Thank you for helping prove the point, the other team's locker room and players are quite frankly none of Coach K's business, NYers called it chutzpah.
If Dillon makes it to the pros hopefully he will remember this chat with a coach and save himself a lecture from fellow NBA players.
3
I did not see the shot or hear any of the comments. That's because I decided not to watch tournament after reading Michael Powell's article about another imperial coach, Larry Brown, who continues to violate the NCAA's less than stringent rules with reckless abandon and exploit the vulnerable young men for whom he is allegedly responsible. Bill Maher said it best when he noted that "March Madness is a stirring reminder of what America was founded on: making tons of money off of the labor of unpaid Black people." Imperial coaches, like most imperial actors, exercise power on the basis of corruption and injustice. The author might want to connect the dots.
8
Someday, you and Mr. Powell need to ask yourselves deep inside how Fraiser was a Victim. He certainly didn't think that, everything Powell reported that Fraiser said was to the contrary, as is all reason. Fraiser got to go the very best private university in Texas, whose admission and retention of African American undergraduates when Fraiser was admitted was beyond abysmal, he became what was probably the most visible presence of an inner city, poor black kid in the school's history, remained academically eligible for his 2 plus years there, got to pursue his life's dream under the tutelage of a world-class coach who made just about every player he ever coached a much improved learner/performer, which unquestionably true of Frasier, he succeeded terrifically on the court, as did the team, and, as every player on that team attested, he was nurtured and mentored in every aspect of life by Brown.
So, the NCAA had nothing better to do than to more than a year after the fact investigate whether there was a little help he received in getting into SMU. How many SMU white undergraduates did also--go to the right private school where they call it "grade inflation," a phone call from Pop's friend at the club and a special spot is made. Come on.
Now, if anybody thinks that taking that 3-point shot was close to an okay thing to do, I hope you stand alone. It is obvious that the Oregon coach was lying when he said that he had told the kid to shoot it. If he wasn't, he is an Idiot.
So, the NCAA had nothing better to do than to more than a year after the fact investigate whether there was a little help he received in getting into SMU. How many SMU white undergraduates did also--go to the right private school where they call it "grade inflation," a phone call from Pop's friend at the club and a special spot is made. Come on.
Now, if anybody thinks that taking that 3-point shot was close to an okay thing to do, I hope you stand alone. It is obvious that the Oregon coach was lying when he said that he had told the kid to shoot it. If he wasn't, he is an Idiot.
1
It's amazing how many readers buy into the notion of Krzyewski as some sort of saint. I found his comments to be poor sportsmanship. Dilllon Brooks wasn't piling on. The shot clock was running down before the game clock. He wasn't sure what to do, so he shot the ball. It looked like the sort of shot he would take while warming up. No big deal.
26
I'm bowled over that for once William did not take race into account here.
1
Race underlies everything - and I am white.
The racists are those that are blind to racism.
The racists are those that are blind to racism.
3
I'm a Ducks fan, who also went to Duke. I love both. The reason that Coach K and the Blue Devils are in a class by themselves is laid bare in this episode. If you go back and look at Coach K's comments about opposing players over the years, he heaps praise more than ANY other coach. In this case, he treated Brooks to the kind of spanking that he would have given to any of his own players who did that kind of show-boating. Truth is, the scolding should have gone to Coach Altman, who didn't teach his players to act with class at the end of an obvious win. (By the way, taking a shot-clock violation would not have jeopardized Oregon's win...)
3
You clearly need to read Therese Ewing's post just above yours. You're living in fantasy-land.
2
If there's no rule against lying, there should be. Especially for emperor coaches.
8
He was right. the coach gave the kid great advice. Don't be a grandstander, just do your job with class.
3
Coach K was encouraging good sportsmanship. Does that offend your PC sense of coddling young adults. Have another drink and get some sleep.
4
Does lying encourage good sportsmanship?
Oh my goodness...
Lost in all of this is Brooks' behavior following the whistle. With six seconds left following Brooks' shot, Allen dribbled away the clock to end the game. As Allen walks towards his own bench in defeat, Brooks opens his arms and half charges Allen and Brooks puts his forehead up near the side of Allen's head and budges Allen a bit off course and says something. Allen does not bite the bait. The announcer erroneously calls it that Allen would not accept an embrace from Brooks, but that's not the way unknown competitors embrace. This isn't two seniors in the same conference. It was clearly unexpected + unwelcome by Allen, as it would be by any other competitor in that situation.
What's wrong with saying "hey Brooks, you're a great player... don't do that kind of stuff" or something like that. Making that into a negative is outrageous. OK, maybe someone could argue that Coach K should have told the other coach not the player, but he clearly likes Brooks as a player (he has repeated that many times) and just wanted to pass along something to a player he admired -- "respect the game".
The NY Times, instead of writing that Coach K is Emperor b/c he is US Olympic coach, 5 Time NCAA champion, most winning coach on any list that matters, runs a pristine program, and his players have earned $1+ billion professionally, is writing he is the Emperor because he said something to a good player out of good intentions and it's taken out of context to this degree? Why?
Lost in all of this is Brooks' behavior following the whistle. With six seconds left following Brooks' shot, Allen dribbled away the clock to end the game. As Allen walks towards his own bench in defeat, Brooks opens his arms and half charges Allen and Brooks puts his forehead up near the side of Allen's head and budges Allen a bit off course and says something. Allen does not bite the bait. The announcer erroneously calls it that Allen would not accept an embrace from Brooks, but that's not the way unknown competitors embrace. This isn't two seniors in the same conference. It was clearly unexpected + unwelcome by Allen, as it would be by any other competitor in that situation.
What's wrong with saying "hey Brooks, you're a great player... don't do that kind of stuff" or something like that. Making that into a negative is outrageous. OK, maybe someone could argue that Coach K should have told the other coach not the player, but he clearly likes Brooks as a player (he has repeated that many times) and just wanted to pass along something to a player he admired -- "respect the game".
The NY Times, instead of writing that Coach K is Emperor b/c he is US Olympic coach, 5 Time NCAA champion, most winning coach on any list that matters, runs a pristine program, and his players have earned $1+ billion professionally, is writing he is the Emperor because he said something to a good player out of good intentions and it's taken out of context to this degree? Why?
6
Try The Protagorus by Plato.
1
You need to review the facts of this situation more carefully. K patently lied when he denied what Brooks said he told him. Effectively that was saying that Brooks was a liar. K only fessed up when the unimpeachable audio-visual evidence was brought forward. And his "apology" was a pseudo apology. He regretted his "inaccurate reaction" to Brooks's statement. He was caught red-handed. Real classy.
6
The Protagorus (sic) says nothing of any relevance to this particular discussion.
Krzyzewski has long been an unpleasant piece of work, and I, for one, am glad to see him being criticized by a prestigious journalist in a prestigious newspaper. Deadspin, which is far less measured than the New York Times, has been heaping opprobrium on the often odious Coach K for quite some time.
People like winners, and Krzyzewski is certainly a winner. Winners, however, are sometimes unpleasant people. The comparison of Krzyzewski and Knight seems to me perfectly reasonable. I teach at Indiana University, and I arrived here not long after Knight was fired. Students frequently defended Knight by saying he was a "winner." It would have been more accurate to say that he had been a winner, because it had been many years since Indiana had won the NCAA tournament. Krzyzewski continues to win, but winning doesn't make him a good or pleasant man. Krzyzewski has more "class" than Knight, too, but all that means to me is that he does not throw chairs across the court, or put one of his one his own players in a choke hold. In all other respects, he's a coach straight out of the Knight mold, and I congratulate William Rhoden for saying so.
People like winners, and Krzyzewski is certainly a winner. Winners, however, are sometimes unpleasant people. The comparison of Krzyzewski and Knight seems to me perfectly reasonable. I teach at Indiana University, and I arrived here not long after Knight was fired. Students frequently defended Knight by saying he was a "winner." It would have been more accurate to say that he had been a winner, because it had been many years since Indiana had won the NCAA tournament. Krzyzewski continues to win, but winning doesn't make him a good or pleasant man. Krzyzewski has more "class" than Knight, too, but all that means to me is that he does not throw chairs across the court, or put one of his one his own players in a choke hold. In all other respects, he's a coach straight out of the Knight mold, and I congratulate William Rhoden for saying so.
16
Coach K shouldn't have apologized. Not because he is "Coach K," but because what he said seems pretty reasonable.
1
You don't care that he lied?
1
First world problem.
1
Who cares. But you pulled an article out of it, so I guess that's the important thing.
5
Of all the things to write about at the tourney... what a waste of press credentials. He could have taken the position that Coach K did Dillon a favor by pointing out something that could get him hurt in the same situation in an NBA game. But no. Not Bill.
3
Sure, all the coaches are driven, competitive guys who may sometimes lose sight of what's in the best interest of the athletes because they are focused on winning.
What I find odious is how a guy like Coach K pretends to hide that aspect of his character, tacitly encouraging the fans' quasi deification of the coach by pretending to be some sort of high priest of basketball. John Wooden pulled similar tactics. Give me Belichick over these fakers any day.
What I find odious is how a guy like Coach K pretends to hide that aspect of his character, tacitly encouraging the fans' quasi deification of the coach by pretending to be some sort of high priest of basketball. John Wooden pulled similar tactics. Give me Belichick over these fakers any day.
4
Please support, with some examples, your statement that "John Wooden pulled similar tactics."
3
It's just too tempting for a 20 year old kid to attempt a buzzer beater.
I've seen my son and his friends try this "long shot" since they were little boys, and now, decades later, the unlikely thrill of making one is still the same. They even mimic the nasal twang of the buzzer as they count down from 10 to aaaaaaaah.
Not sure I agree about this being poor sportsmanship. There are certainly loads of other behaviors athletes engage in on the court that are much more obvious qualifiers.
I've seen my son and his friends try this "long shot" since they were little boys, and now, decades later, the unlikely thrill of making one is still the same. They even mimic the nasal twang of the buzzer as they count down from 10 to aaaaaaaah.
Not sure I agree about this being poor sportsmanship. There are certainly loads of other behaviors athletes engage in on the court that are much more obvious qualifiers.
7
Everytime I read one William C. Rhoden's columns it makes me realize that, Ralph Wiley is really gone. Yep, there is still no else to fill his shoes.... And so I must bear with Bill Rhoden...... Mediocrity Reigns, mediocrity reigns.....This is the age of mediocre sports writer, and its emperor is William C. Rhoden.
4
How about an article about Emperor Reporters!
4
I love the fact he shot that last three and made it. Especially against Duke. What a bunch of Snowflakes--so sorry I hurt your feelings.
7
“I didn’t say that,” the Emperor Coach said indignantly before belatedly -- and only in the face of irrefutable evidence -- apologizing for saying what he said he didn't say. Whoa, and this is a role model? Maybe it's time to switch to politics.
8
Coach K was 100 percent correct.
2
When he lied and sold out a 19 year old unpaid laborer or when he said he "responded incorrectly" when caught in his lie, rather than admit to lying?
21
"A 19 year old unpaid laborer"? Wow. Talk about gilding the lily.
2
What a whiny and muddled piece. So what is an emperor coach exactly? Someone who screws up in front of the media and apologizes to all parties shortly after- publicly and personally? An overly aggressive coach who chastised a young nytimes reporter many years ago (surely Knight did many more things that were emperor-like than hurt you feelings...but you went with the time he talked down to you)? I'll give you Boeheim. Any of those three disparate choices = emperor. Got it.
Blah.
Blah.
4
William Rhoden, as he has so often in the past, is trying to create a mountain out of a molehill. Krzyzewski in his long career has always, win or lose, been a perfect sportsman. Rhoden's invention of the "Emperor Coach" is beyond silly.
4
I find it interesting that Coach K finds fault with Brooks' play but seems to have no problem with his own player tripping others during games. This is particularly concerning in light of Grayson Allen's being a repeat tripping offender with no punitive measures taken by the referees or the "conscientious" Coach K. Brooks might have been a "show off" but Allen's actions could actually result in a serious injury to another player. I think Coach K should try managing his own players and not others...there's enough rotten crap on his own bench that he should be able to remain occupied there for awhile...if he can focus there and not on other teams. He lets a dirty player act without repercussion, so he's just as dirty. I suppose I should expect Coach K to believe he is above the basketball regulations of other mere mortals...his mentor was Bob Knight, after all.
8
So what about coach K's lie. If he thought it was okay there was no need to lie. Coaches should be teaching young players sportsmanship, fair play, and to accept responsibility. What am I thinking the NCAA is only in it to make money. They don't really care if the players become good citizens. Duke should give Coach K a raise, because he apologized.
4
K "apparently" snapped at a reporter who related Brooks' version of the conversation? Did he or didn't he? Is there a tape of both the reporter's question and the coach's reaction, or was the coach's apology just an attempt to smooth over a molehill that the reporter had turned into a mountain?
Coach K is only the winningest college basketball coach of all time, as well as the head coach of the US Men's Olympic basketball team. Who knows, he may someday be Dillon Brooks' coach in that capacity. He is active in his community also, lending his mentoring skills to kids in areas other than basketball through a center named in honor of his mother: http://www.emilyk.org/. That he doesn't just "mind his own business" is probably a very good thing.
Those of us who follow Duke Basketball know that Duke is a team that some really love to hate, but we could do with a few more leaders like Coach K.
Coach K is only the winningest college basketball coach of all time, as well as the head coach of the US Men's Olympic basketball team. Who knows, he may someday be Dillon Brooks' coach in that capacity. He is active in his community also, lending his mentoring skills to kids in areas other than basketball through a center named in honor of his mother: http://www.emilyk.org/. That he doesn't just "mind his own business" is probably a very good thing.
Those of us who follow Duke Basketball know that Duke is a team that some really love to hate, but we could do with a few more leaders like Coach K.
10
Let's see how you feel when Jim Boeheim steps up to Grayson Allen and tells him that he's too good a player to keep tripping his opponents. Let's see how the Duke fans welcome that.
2
Yup. We sure can use more coaches like Coach K. Coaches that make millions from salary and shoe endorsements while their "amateur" players make nothing -- and earn millions for the university. And the free tuition is hardly fair compensation (and now the NBA won't allow kids go straight to the league. Restraint of trade?)
Maybe on this Easter weekend mighty Coach K can advocate for the financial and labor equality that his players deserve.
Maybe on this Easter weekend mighty Coach K can advocate for the financial and labor equality that his players deserve.
1
To answer your question, there is a video of the post-game press conference. A reporter recounted Dillon Brooks's version of the exchange and Coach K immediately and flatly responded, "I didn't say that." Now that an audiotape of the exchange has surfaced, the coach says he "reacted incorrectly." Or, as the Washington Post has just translated that euphemism in its headline: "Coach K apologizes for lying in postgame news conference."
4
Sportsmanship? Let's not mistake the NCAA tournament or any of its participants (coaches to cameramen, athletes to announcers) for one of those uplifting commercials about NCAA values shown at halftimes. This is the big-money big-time, where the winners win big and the losers go home. Sure, some of the losers know from the start they are the designated losers and may be happy just for being part of the show, but most of the participants have the drive and arrogance to think of themselves as winners, to win and be showered with adulation and then money. Arrogant men who are used to winning are not good losers.
10
Seriously, Mr. Rhoden? You are equating the class of Coach K with the antics of Bobby Knight? It's hard to imagine a more narrow minded point of view. I think you are the one that should offer an apology.
41
It makes perfect sense. Those two were thick as thieves, and K is not the least bit classy. He apologized because he got caught in a lie.
9
Only thing more annoying than emperor coaches are emperor reporters who take up space in a prestigious publication to whine about how an emperor coach didn't answer their question. Bobby Knight's comment to you, in which he refused to cow-tow to the Big Kid newspaper on the block, is precisely why so many of us admire Knight in spite of his flaws. Thanks for the memory.
And coach K makes mistakes, but unlike, say, Knight, almost always acknowledges them in time if it is the right thing to do. Calling him an emperor coach just makes you look pompous.
And coach K makes mistakes, but unlike, say, Knight, almost always acknowledges them in time if it is the right thing to do. Calling him an emperor coach just makes you look pompous.
71
Only thing more annoying than emperor reporters who take up space whining about emperor coaches, are emperor readers who opine from their couch potato thrones without taking the time to properly read what they choose to comment on. Groden simply made a face (from what he says) and Knight caught an attitude, made haughty comments about the Times and the Big East and stormed off in a huff.
11
"acknowledges them in time"?? Coach K LIED. He acknowledged after audio surfaced of him saying what he said he did not say. If it's the right thing to do - lying until you are proved a liar apparently
2
Except you're flat wrong. K didn't acknowledge his mistake; he denied it and tried to shift the onus to Dillon. He only owned up to the truth when the tape of the exchange was made public. Duke people seem to be having a lot of difficulty following the story here. Perhaps an artifact of an emperor whose absence of clothing is difficult to concede.
20
This article reads like something that was slapped together hastily to support a headline that, while catchy and shareable, is not really backed up by anything within the article or without. I get that perhaps the Times is not known for its sports coverage, but this thin article seems like a stretch even for the Times. A little surprised this made it to print and quite disappointed in this otherwise stellar publication.
39
I read the article and it appears that Coach Krzyzewski lied to a reporter about what he said to Brooks after the game. Whatever Coach Krzyzewski’s virtues, lying about a conversation (and in effect calling Dillon Brooks a liar) is hardly admirable.
30
This piece is way off the mark. Krzyzewski is no emperor. He's widely known as a consummate teacher first, and here he was taking advantage of a teaching moment to help Brooks out.
This is basketball 101. The shot was totally disrespectful to the other squad, the game way out of reach for Duke. Let the shot clock expire...whatever! I think the Oregon coach owes an apology to both Brooks and Krzyzewski as well as the Duke team, instead of the other way around.
And Mr. Rhoden - can't you find a more worthy target to malign in order to assuage those sour memories from your interaction with Bobby Knight?
This is basketball 101. The shot was totally disrespectful to the other squad, the game way out of reach for Duke. Let the shot clock expire...whatever! I think the Oregon coach owes an apology to both Brooks and Krzyzewski as well as the Duke team, instead of the other way around.
And Mr. Rhoden - can't you find a more worthy target to malign in order to assuage those sour memories from your interaction with Bobby Knight?
37
This is frankly just a ridiculous opinion. Absolutely NOTHING is wrong with taking a shot as the shot clock expires, regardless of the score. It seems like you and Coach K need to get off your respective high horses. Also, the hypocrisy here is astounding. Did Coach K condemn Christian Laettner when he stepped on an opponent's CHEST during a game in the 90s? How about when his current star Grayson Allen continuously was seen tripping opposing players this year? Saying the opposing coach needs to make an apology for his own player hitting a shot is shockingly stupid.
9
How is it Coach K's job to impart a lesson to a player on another team? Oh yeah, and then lie about it? Great teaching moment.
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Good grief. That shot was so disrespectful, yet something K "teaches" his team to do all the time. Please stop with the sanctimony.
There were 7 instances this season in which a dook* starter took a shot in the final 45 seconds when the dook* lead was at least 15 points...
With an 80-65 lead and 20 seconds left in game vs Florida State on February 25, Grayson Allen (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
With a 79-58 lead and 10 seconds left in game vs Virginia Tech on January 9, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (made)
With a 91-75 lead and 11 seconds left in game at Wake Forest on January 6, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
With a 100-81 lead with 9 seconds left in game vs Long Beach State on December 30, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (made)
Jason McCallum @jmacsc 18m18 minutes ago
With an 85-50 lead with 43 seconds left in game vs Utah State on November 29, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a jumper (missed)
With an 80-60 lead with 40 seconds left in game vs Yale on November 25, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
Jason McCallum @jmacsc 18m18 minutes ago
With a 92-71 lead with 29 seconds left in game vs Siena on November 13, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a jumper (missed)
There were 7 instances this season in which a dook* starter took a shot in the final 45 seconds when the dook* lead was at least 15 points...
With an 80-65 lead and 20 seconds left in game vs Florida State on February 25, Grayson Allen (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
With a 79-58 lead and 10 seconds left in game vs Virginia Tech on January 9, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (made)
With a 91-75 lead and 11 seconds left in game at Wake Forest on January 6, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
With a 100-81 lead with 9 seconds left in game vs Long Beach State on December 30, Matt Jones (starter) took a 3-pointer (made)
Jason McCallum @jmacsc 18m18 minutes ago
With an 85-50 lead with 43 seconds left in game vs Utah State on November 29, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a jumper (missed)
With an 80-60 lead with 40 seconds left in game vs Yale on November 25, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a 3-pointer (missed)
Jason McCallum @jmacsc 18m18 minutes ago
With a 92-71 lead with 29 seconds left in game vs Siena on November 13, Brandon Ingram (starter) took a jumper (missed)
21
The fact that he lied . . . and that he basically accused the kid of lying on national TV . . . until he was caught by the TV audio . . . which is worse; taking the shot at the end of the game, or being one the greatest coaches of all time sandbagging a college kid until you get caught in the act?
Somebody should have asked him, "Hey coach, if you hadn't got caught on the TV audio, would you still be lying to everyone?"
Can't talk about class and respecting the game and do that all in the same breath.
What a fraud.
Somebody should have asked him, "Hey coach, if you hadn't got caught on the TV audio, would you still be lying to everyone?"
Can't talk about class and respecting the game and do that all in the same breath.
What a fraud.
396
What would happen to the student athlete if found lying... on or off camera?
1
Great picture, good writing. Coach K got caught telling a lie and breaking one of the unwritten rules of basketball coaching: never talk smack to the other team's players. He's one of the biggest sore losers but loves to rub it in your face when "he" wins. It was good to read that the Oregon coach stood up for his player. It's another way of telling coach K to mind his own business.
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Coach K's post-win comments are some of the most gracious I've ever read.
2
You did mention that he apologized, right?
3
Yeah, after he was caught in a lie.
3
Yeah, he apologized. After having lied. Twice. And the apology came only after he was confronted with irrefutable evidence. So, I guess you could call that an apology, but... The best definition of character I've ever heard is how you behave when you think no one is watching.
16
After he got caught.
7
Did Coach K go to the Woody Hayes school of mutual respect coaching? But, unlike Woody did at the Holiday Bowl, at lest K didn't slug the opposing player. That scene was right out of "Duck Soup'.
2
K was angry at the loss and took it out on a student and then a reporter and lied about it until he was proved wrong. Classy.
273
Did you see the interaction with the Oregon player? Based on your comment, probably not. Coach K did not "take anything out on" Dillon Brooks. Another indication that this pathetic article has created false impressions that are now being seized upon by Duke haters.
Rhoden is a hack, and he has done a terrible disservice by besmirching one of the most positive influences in college sports. Shameful that the Times published this drivel.
Rhoden is a hack, and he has done a terrible disservice by besmirching one of the most positive influences in college sports. Shameful that the Times published this drivel.
1
I have nothing in particular against Duke. My problem is with college sports in general.
When is he going to chastise his star player (Allen) for unsportsmanlike play?
125
Senor, putting aside your specific allegation about Grayson Allen, do you think it's even possible that a coach could lead a program as consistently classy and great as Duke's and yet tolerate unsportsmanlike conduct by his players? I'd bet that the love he shows for them is equaled by how hard he comes down on them when they disappoint.
2
I think it's not only relevant but especially important at this time of year to address the culture of college basketball and the character of those who make millions off the talent and aspirations of kids.
50
They're adults though, not "kids."
Definitely a mountain out of a mole hill.
17
Seems to me the bigger story is that Coach K flat out lied about the interaction, and only retracted when the lie was proven by the audiotape. It may or may not be good coaching/sportsmanship to talk to another team's player, but last time I checked telling blatant lies to cover yourself is the exact opposite of great coaching and sportsmanship.
526
If the student star was caught lying about something this important, would he be playing?
2
There's a much more charitable explanation: He gave constructive criticism to a player (and maybe he should have said nothing in the circumstance), then when asked about it he chose to hold the criticism as a private comment between coach and player. A private conversation, containing a criticism, is understandable within the coach-player relationship; broadcasting the comment before the national airwaves would certainly be poor taste. This is at least plausible and, to my mind, rather likely.
Lying like that would probably make him a successful politician though. Trump hasn't chosen a running mate: "Donald J and Coach K" has quite a ring to it.
1
Taking that three at the end of the game when the outcome was well decided was wrong. It was rubbing it in.
That said, Coach K probably should have just shut his mouth.
But calling him imperial for confronting the kid is over the top. And imperial coaches don't make sincere apologies like Coach K did.
I don't know why Rhoden doesn't like K, but this column didn't come close to validating his claim that K is an 'emperor' or 'imperial' coach.
The guy is a winner who runs a clean program and produces nice kids. He ain't perfect, but he can coach my kid anytime.
That said, Coach K probably should have just shut his mouth.
But calling him imperial for confronting the kid is over the top. And imperial coaches don't make sincere apologies like Coach K did.
I don't know why Rhoden doesn't like K, but this column didn't come close to validating his claim that K is an 'emperor' or 'imperial' coach.
The guy is a winner who runs a clean program and produces nice kids. He ain't perfect, but he can coach my kid anytime.
172
Beautifully put, John, and I agree.
Coach K apologized because he got caught in a lie.
26
What about Krzyzewski lying about the conversation? Is that part of being an honorable coach?
1
Dude,
that was a great win for Oregon but Brooks should not have shot that ball. They had the game won. Coach Altman is blowing smoke and covering for his player. Some opponent that Brooks faces in the future will remind of him of that shot and throw down one on him. Come on ,man you knwo better than that. Sounds like you just wanted to trash Coach K. Brooks last second 3 was bush league and if Altman called he is bush league. I am an Oregonian and proud of the Ducks but really....
that was a great win for Oregon but Brooks should not have shot that ball. They had the game won. Coach Altman is blowing smoke and covering for his player. Some opponent that Brooks faces in the future will remind of him of that shot and throw down one on him. Come on ,man you knwo better than that. Sounds like you just wanted to trash Coach K. Brooks last second 3 was bush league and if Altman called he is bush league. I am an Oregonian and proud of the Ducks but really....
17
College basketball has a 30-second shot clock. When Brooks took his shot, there was a difference between the shot clock and the game clock. Name a coach, any coach in that setting who'd tell one of his players to not shoot, but let the shot clock run out and turn the ball over.
6
What a terrible article. I'll take Coach K any day over some sports writer with a grudge.
31
The article was poorly written. Still, the fact remains that Coach K was inappropriate and then lied about it. Focus on that.
4
It seems ok to me to question the values of a businessman/coach who makes millions.
C'mon Mr. Rhoden, find something interesting to write about. Number one, I think it was right of coach K to say what he did, number two, saying what he did is a very small thing. You are definitely making a mountain out of a molehill. This is hardly a scandal. This isn't Bobby Knight choking a player.
22
If what he said was such a small thing, then why did he lie about saying it?
15
much ado about nothing
18
nobody asked Coach K to be the arbiter of good behavior in college basketball. Apparently MYOB wasn't taught to him growing up. He should be worried about his team, and be aware of how the way they behave during games looks to anyone who isn't an acolyte of the mighty Duke. He'd be pretty miffed if the shoe was on the other foot and some coach accosted one of his players at the end of the game. If you still have your starters on the floor, if you are still fouling and trying to make the game winnable, you have No Room to criticize anybody. Know when it's time to wave the white flag. Otherwise, the game is still on til the final buzzer.
46
In his second stab at the truth the day after, Coach K said he spoke "incorrectly." That's Emperor Coachspeak for "lie through my teeth."
163
Did you listen to the exchange? It was hardly a tongue lashing and you can see Coach K patting him on the chest and congratulating him. Old school, you don't shoot with the game in hand and the clock winding down. No big deal here!
If this is the worst Coach K ever does in terms of sportsmanship or etiquette, his place in the hall of fame will still be there.
19
Did anyone tell Pete Rose to take out a catcher in an All Star game?
1
Not just the shot; it was the muscle flexing and preening afterwards. A very immature and bush move. Oh, and Rhoden, too.
24
The accompanying photo says it all, really. Truly gag-worthy.
3
Coach K is one of the biggest hypocrites of all college sports. But he is powerful enough that most members of the press play along with his "great man" ruse.
30
It would be worth pointing out that Duke's star player was caught tripping opponents twice and Coach K was more or less silent. That is a violation of actual rules not unwritten rules.
322
Actually, Grayson Allen has been caught tripping players three times. A lesson his legendary coach has not coached out of him.
1
And how do you know he was silent?
Perhaps - as he had planned for in this case - he counselled the young man 'for his ears only'
Part deux - I always thought that silent was binary and not more or less.
Perhaps - as he had planned for in this case - he counselled the young man 'for his ears only'
Part deux - I always thought that silent was binary and not more or less.
Nice to finally see the other side of St. K being covered.
30
These guys (Coach K and others) have lived in the clouds for a long, long time. They made the rules and I expect the game is better for
it. But, I think K might have moved through the coach of the other team. Rather than coach/player, how about coach/coach, player.
Either that or pin up the rules where all players can read them
it. But, I think K might have moved through the coach of the other team. Rather than coach/player, how about coach/coach, player.
Either that or pin up the rules where all players can read them
3
"A mountain out of a mole hill", about sums it up. Coach K is the essence of a basketball coach. A great teacher and a good and decent man. His public record speaks for itself. Read Jay Williams book to get an idea of how much he cares about his players as people. I think most people would agree you do not take the shot from a sportsmanship standpoint. He should have admitted what he said initially, instead of backtracking. Still a man's,man he'd apologized to the other coach. Bobby Knight would never have done that and wasn't even close to having the same relationships with his players that Coach K has. Coach K is not perfect. Nobody is. But nobody has more class than K.
10
I agree that Coach K stepped over the line. And I know he has infinite respect for Bobby Knight. But Coach K is not Bobby Knight. Not even close.
3
Couldn't think of anything else to write about today, Mr. Rhoden? How about sportsmanship that celebrates team instead of individual goals and achievements. Seems to me we've had a bellyful of the latter lately and, at least to this observer, it's sickening.
45
In the thrall of the emperor eh?
10
I thought it was an interesting peek into Coach K's personality.
63
Not sure what your argument is here. What players are you referring to on what teams in the tournament that is so sickening to you. If you want to be a critic of particular players or teams then you should at least name them. In this instance the clock was running down on the possession clock not the game clock and to my mind nothing wrong with throwing up a long shot at that point. If he had dribbled by Duke players who were backing away and dunked it that might be different. The issue here is coach K basically lying about what he said after being stung by a loss and then trying to take it out on the opposing player. You could say he had the class to apologize but then again the tape showed what he said. I am a great admirer of coach K and Bob Knight as coaches (Knight would not have apologized even with the existence of the tape) but they are also men who have for a long time been very full of themselves. As for as Mr. Rhoden I will admit he seems to have an ax to grind, but again don't really understand your comments. Perhaps I would if you aimed them at Kentucky and other one and done schools which is now including Duke more and more.
7