Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS — Bob Knight has told Indiana University he intends to sue the school for slander and libel from his September firing, alleging his former employer cost him more than $7 million.
According to a letter obtained yesterday by The Associated Press, Knight alleges the university also violated the Indiana Open Door Law, inflicted emotional distress and interfered with his ability to find a coaching job.
"If the university doesn’t negotiate with us, we have no choice but to sue," said Knight’s attorney, Russell E. Yates of Denver.
Knight was fired Sept. 10 by IU President Myles Brand after 29 years as coach for violating its "zero-tolerance" policy. The firing came after Knight grabbed a freshman student by the arm and lectured him on manners after he greeted the coach informally.
Knight had 180 days to notify the university of his intention to sue. That deadline is today.
The university denied the allegations.
"We were disappointed and even taken aback to hear the allegations contained in the notice of tort claim," university spokeswoman Susan Dillman said. "The charges are frivolous and totally without merit."
The Dallas Morning News, meanwhile, quoted an unidentified source as saying officials at Texas Tech have had favorable discussions with Knight but his hiring is not a done deal.
The Morning News source also said the school plans to fire James Dickey and buy out his contract, which has three years remaining with a base salary of $200,000.
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