Once upon a time, Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski could lecture an opposing player on the court after a game and deny that he said anything negative afterward.
Unfortunately, Coach K no longer lives in that time. In the age of cell phones, instantaneous video and social media, Krzyzewski was recorded telling Oregon Ducks star Dillon Brooks that, yes, he's too good of a player to do that --- apparently referring to Brooks' trash-talking and showboating during the Ducks' 82-68 victory in their Sweet Sixteen matchup at the NCAA Tournament, according to video obtained by Fansided.com.
Fed-Up Baylor Star Taurean Prince Belittles Reporter With Rebound Definition At NCAA Tournament
After the game, Dillon relayed what Coach K had said to him - "He just told me that I'm too good of a player to be showing out at the end. And he's right. I've got to respect Duke," according to USA Today Sports.
But when Krzyzewski was asked to confirm Dillon's accurate comment, the legendary coach lied, although technically he may not have said anything about "showing out."
Shaquille O'Neal Joke May Alert NCAA Into Probe Of LSU Basketball
USA Today Sports posted the official NCAA Transcript:
Q. Apparently after the game Dillon said that you told him that he was too good of a player to be showing off at the end like that --
MIKE KRZYZEWSKI: I didn't say that.
Q. He said of you that you were right.
MIKE KRZYZEWSKI: You can say whatever you want. Dillon Brooks is a hell of a player. I said, "You're a terrific player." And you can take whatever he said and then go with it, all right?
Krzyzewski won't face any penalty for failure to admit his remarks. But it does affirm some of his critics, who believe that he can be an arrogant coach at times.
"Oh, the irony was delicious," Fox Sports reported. "Mike Krzyzewski, a man whose star player this year is best known for repeatedly tripping opponents, was on the sideline after Duke's loss to Oregon allegedly lecturing the Ducks' star player for not having class on the basketball court. Somewhere, a pot and a kettle high-five.
"Mike Krzyzewski is a good man. He's also an unapologetic, pompous bully."
Fox Sports was referring to Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen, who has been caught on camera tripping an opponent three times this season.
Coach K said he spoke to Allen about his behavior after the second incident against Florida State but supported the ACC's decision not to suspend the star guard, ESPN reported earlier this season.
"I would not suspend any player for what would be a flagrant 1," Krzyzewski said. "What he got was the stiffest reprimand a player in our conference has gotten this year. I thought the [ACC] took action, and you've got to move on. The world doesn't move on, because it's Duke."
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
