How’s everyone’s weekend going? Thanks for spending a portion of it with the Six.
When news came down this week about the death of Bobby Knight, the reaction from mainstream media was predictably diplomatic and inoffensive.
We must respect the dead, after all.
But the irony of it all is how Knight, the legendary basketball coach and arguably one of the most famous sports figures of the 20th century, did not incite uncomplicated emotions from observers, writers, players or most anyone who came in contact with him. He was about as genteel as a bear attack.
Knight threw chairs. He berated his players. He was combative with the media. But he also used his influence and fame to help others, known to arrange fundraising events for former players or those in the coaching profession.
In an era of the autocrat coach, Knight ruled with absolute authority. But he was not a tyrannous ogre. He was well-read, frequently donated money to the University of Indiana library and insisted his players graduate. He never once was suspected of cheating.
(In the late 90s, I covered a basketball game between Northwestern and Indiana. Knight was still the Hoosiers coach and I walked back through the Welsh-Ryan Arena gym to get to the parking lot. Sitting on the floor, leaning up against the bleachers was Knight and Kevin O’Neill, the Wildcats coach at the time. They were in the midst of an intense conversation, a private moment between the two I accidentally stumbled upon. Knight briefly glanced up and me, I briskly picked up the pace and left the gym.)
Knight didn’t care about “emotional wellness” or creating “safe spaces” for his players (I’m sure he would have laughed at these contemporary labels but would have had a well-thought out reply why they are bull crap). He didn’t coach to be liked. How players made him happy was by improving their jump shot and rebounding. Don’t try and please me, Knight would say. Get better at basketball and by doing so, become the best version of yourself. As grown men, fathers and husbands, his former players grew to appreciate and value Knight’s approach even if they never completely resolved their conflicted personal feelings towards the man.
In not trying to offend, media headlines this week frequently tagged “complicated” to Knight’s legacy. That’s what made him such a fascinating character; the reverence and loathing from so many all at once.
Knight was a man of his time, yes. And he was complicated. But what successful person isn’t? Knight to some degree normalized the carrying of layered emotions by individuals for former coaches, educators, or bosses, anyone who pushed their athletes, students or workers to achieve outcomes never thought possible.
While the methods may have been controversial, the results are that of a man who led a completed life.
Let’s proceed with the Six.
1. Illinois Student Report Card: 5 Facts They Don’t Want You To Know.
If read the press release or state-sponsored media outlets coverage of the Illinois Student Report Card, published this week by the Illinois State Board of Education, one would think the educational environment is all sunshine and lollipops. But a deeper look reveals how while 2023 represents marginal improvement from 2022, “they are still below pre-covid 2019 levels. And that’s despite a whopping $6 billion increase in operating expenses statewide.” Wirepoints provides five bullet point facts that counter ISBE’s inflated, fantasy-driven data.
2. Poll: RFK Continues Surge As Independant Candidate.
There ain’t so stopping that RFK, Jr! A new poll shows how if the election were held today and voters had to choose between President Biden, Donald Trump, and RFK, Jr., millions would vote for the nephew of JFK. The election, of course, is not today, but in a year, and I wonder if the interest in RFK, Jr. will fade from genuine interest to novelty by Nov. 2024. I can’t help but be intrigued by the man, but more in a Robert Stack “Unsolved Mysteries” sort of way––could it be true that the missing woman just fell from the horse or was she abducted by a UFO? Probably the former but it’s much more fun to consider the paranormal theory.
It’s been a few months since the devastating wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui. As the recovery begins, Reuters offers a walkthrough of the arduous task local and federal agencies face as they attempt to clean up Hawaii’s worst wildfire. A masterful mix of explanatory journalism combined with impressive graphics.
4. There Is No Exit For Dictators.
The author provides a theory on why tyrants rarely go quietly: "Assume the ruler plays an annual game in which he asks himself: 'Am I better off if I retire now, or if I commit another crime which will make my retirement next year more difficult but my rule this year safer?' The answer is simple. He is better off committing another crime in the expectation that this will make his overthrow less likely." Applies not only to military dictators but despotic politicians or anyone in power for too long.
5. Oakland A’s Move To Vegas Not Sure Thing.
The 2023 baseball season ended this week (congrats to the Rangers) but the business of the sport marches on. The Oakland A’s are trying to get the state of Nevada to pay out $380 million to develop a ballpark for them in Las Vegas, but the state’s education association is aiming to collect 102,000 signatures to get that on a ballot measure, as they argue the money is better spent in schools rather than baseball. Of course, they’re right, but despite decades of evidence publicly-funded stadiums do not provide economic boosts, local assemblymen seem to always fall for the grift.
6. Coach Knight is Not F-ing Around This Week.
There’s not an audio recording on YouTube I’ve listened to more. Captures the essence of Bobby Knight in 75 seconds. “You guys will run until you can’t even suffer!” RIP Coach Knight.
Thanks for reading everybody and have a great rest of your weekend.
Have a suggestion for The Sunday Six? Send email to jonjkerr@gmail.com.