Knight passes on classroom coaching

Students enrolled in coach Bob Knight's basketball coaching class began the semester with a shock.\nAssistant coaches Mike Davis and John Treolar told students Knight would no longer be co-teaching the class with former athletic department administrative assistant Norm Ellenberger.\nKnight's decision not to teach class this semester came as a result of the "zero-tolerance" policy set by the University this summer, after evidence surfaced in an investigation of Knight, according to an athletic department statement.\n"He made the decision not to teach," said football and basketball spokesperson Todd Starowitz. "He could be set up as a target because of the lack of clarity in the guidelines."\nIn the 29 years he taught the class, Knight would attend at least eight of the 16 class sessions. Knight was never paid for his involvement in the class, and was the only basketball coach in the Big Ten who taught a class. Knight co-taught the class with Ellenberger, who recently left the university to pursue an assistant coaching job with the Chicago Bulls. \nThe statement said "Coach Knight has thoroughly enjoyed teaching the session and has always viewed it as an opportunity to benefit students who are genuinely interested in Indiana University basketball and, most specifically, the coaching profession." \n"There is a possibility for an interpretation to occur (in class) on what zero-tolerance means," Starowitz said.\nStudents are both disappointed and relieved by Knight's decision. \nIU sophomore Sarah Bauer took the class primarily because of Knight's involvement. "I am disappointed, but I would rather have him coach. (Knight) is just being careful, and taking the zero-tolerance policy very seriously."\nThe class focuses on coaching techniques and philosophies. Students also participate in lab activities in which they learn drills and "team concepts" useful for conditioning basketball teams.\n"I respect (Knight's) decision, and think it is a wise one," said senior Brian Bobbitt. \nKnight will be replaced by Davis, Treolar and son Pat Knight. The assistant coaches will be teaching the class in full until Ellenberger's replacement begins teaching as well.\n"I am glad he is being safe," Bobbitt said. "(Knight) is being careful not to offend anyone"