Student reaction to firing 'disturbing'

As a proud former attendee of IU and supporter of Coach Knight, I find myself embarrassed and perplexed by his and the students' reaction to his ouster. The photos on the IDS Web site are especially disturbing.\nAlso disturbing are the similarities to this situation and the sacking of Eddie Sutton at the University of Kentucky in the late 1980s. Death threats on the university president, violent protests, cries of administration vindictiveness ... they were all there. All because the administration said the program and its coach were out of control. They were. They got cleaned up. Now UK has a program that's a national model. And two national championships since to boot.\nIt's ironic to remember the open disdain Coach Knight held for the Kentucky program. Yes, UK went on NCAA probation. IU isn't in NCAA trouble. Its reputation is, and President Myles Brand has made the right decision. A reputation is a far more important thing to defend than a basketball program. \nStudents ' please respect the president's decision. His input has far more influence on your future than our Coach Knight. \nCoach Knight ' please don't embarrass me or my University anymore. We're done defending your actions. Thank you for mostly wonderful years and all the great things you've done. That's how I'd like to remember you. Not like I see you now.\nOh, and Coach, one final irony ' your players, coaches and supporters are all referring to our University president by his last name only. You may want to grab a few of them by the arm and give them a lesson in respect.