 |
 |
|
| | Monday, May 22 Brand defends decision as tough, fair | |||||
| Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana president Myles Brand insists he made the right call in disciplining Bob Knight in what he said was a no-win situation for the university. "The route I took was one that was tough and fair," Brand told the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis on Friday. "The tough part is zero tolerance. We expect coach Knight to change his behavior." Knight was suspended for three games, fined $30,000 and ordered to stay out of trouble after trustees investigated accusations of abusive conduct. Brand acknowledged the university had not done enough in the past to change the coach's behavior. He says Knight must have a chance to meet the stricter guidelines. "It would be quite unfair to say the rules have changed, and because of the new rules you're now fired," Brand said. The president appointed athletic director Clarence Doninger -- who in February was involved in a shouting match with Knight -- to lead a group in developing a conduct code for the entire athletic department. Brand focused most of his remarks Friday on information technology and university economics. Those at the Indianapolis Athletic Club didn't seem upset Brand spent only a few moments discussing the school's combative coach. "It was big of him to recognize that the university system had somewhat of a shortcoming," said Rush Yelverton, a consultant with the Indianapolis Power and Light Company. "But rather than lowering the boom, found a new way to set a new standard." | ALSO SEE Forde: Reliving 'ChokeMania' Another ex-IU player alleges abuse by Knight Knight's son on ordeal: 'This will never be over' Knight to remain as Indiana's coach  | |||||