A Knight in Murky Armor
Throughout his legendary 46 years at Sport Illustrated, Frank DeFord covered a variety of memorable and controversial individuals within the world of sports, but none were as infamous as college basketball’s Bobby Knight. In his 1981 piece titled “The Rabbit Hunter,” DeFord profiles the life and character of Indiana basketball coach Bobby Knight. Although Knight didn’t retire until 2008 and this piece was published well before his well known troubling actions such as throwing a chair onto the court during a game, grabbing a player by the neck, and berating an Indiana student on campus, Bobby Knight was already equally successful and controversial by 1981. This nearly twenty page profile is divided into six sections titled Rabbits, Coaches, Older People, Women, Players, and More Rabbits and leaves the audience with enough insight about Bobby Knight to answer the question “Why, Bobby, why? (DeFord 6). Bobby Knight may be the star of this piece, but credit has to be given to Frank DeFord as his incorporation of quotes, use of characterization, and the understanding he has as his role as the writer makes this writing soar beyond a simple life summary and solidifies its spot as one of the best pieces of American sports writing of the twentieth century.
One of the key components as to why “The Rabbit Hunter” reads as well as it does is because it does more than tell the readers where Bobby Knight grew up and what his accomplishments are as a coach. Throughout “The Rabbit Hunter,” Frank DeFord writes an excellent characterization, with in depth descriptions of Bobby Knight’s physical appearance, personality, relationships, mindset, and environment. One of the best ways DeFord characterizes Bobby Knight is by filling the page with stories that go beyond surface level descriptions. An example is when DeFord writes about a scene where Knight points out who’s an athlete and who’s not an athlete in his high school yearbook. The short scene reveals Knight’s conservative mentality and that he has never evolved with the times, since he still looks at the world around him through a rigid 50’s mindset. Another way DeFord excels at description is by writing about Knight’s unique aspects. The best example of this is the opening, since DeFord makes the brilliant decisions to have the first few paragraphs be about Knight’s dimple. The description of Knight’s dimple not only gives the reader a little bit of physical description, but it also hints at Knight’s personality and attitude. In addition to DeFord’s characterization, his incorporation of quotes and dialogue throughout the reading allows a variety of different perspectives to provide insight and opinion on Bobby Knight.
Frank DeFord understands that for the reader to walk away from this profile with knowledge of who Bobby Knight really is, a constant supply of quotes from coaches, players, family members, and Bobby Knight himself are needed. Every description and claim that is made about Bobby Knight is bolstered and supported by a quote or a sequence of dialogue. Whether it be a coach’s criticism about Knight’s role in the Puerto Rico situation, “None of that stuff in Puerto Rico had to happen. On the contrary, he could’ve come out of there a hero. But he’s a bully, always having to put people down.” (DeFord 3), a neighbor on Bobby’s relationship with his Grandma, “A classy lady — the love of Bobby’s life” (DeFord 11), or Bobby Knight on his values, “If the Guy says tomorrow, hey, this country is in trouble and it needs you in this position or that one, then I give up coaching tomorrow and go” (DeFord 14). Deford also makes sure to include dialogue between Bobby Knight and other individuals. Dialogue usage in this profile highlights scenarios where the different sides of Knight are on display. While DeFord might include a sequence of dialogue between Knight and former player, Joby Wright, and coach, Maryayalce Jeremiah, to give an example of Knight’s racist and misogynistic tendencies, DeFord will also include a sequence of dialogue in which Knight discusses his views on the importance of his players getting good grades. The use of quotes and dialogue helps the reader not only have a better understanding of Bobby Knight, but it also helps the reader form their own opinion on him.
Anyone familiar with college basketball, knows that as successful as Bobby Knight was, he is equally controversial. “The Rabbit Hunter” shows two sides of Bobby Knight. One side being Knight’s controversial bad side, the other being Knight’s charitable good side. DeFord makes sure to cover both sides equally. DeFord delves into Knight’s controversial side by writing about the situation in Puerto Rico, Knight’s racist and misogynistic tendencies, and his over the top and abusive coaching practices. DeFord also delves into Knight’s good side by writing about Knight declining raises and giving it to his assistants and staff and making sure his players are focused on their education and getting good grades. The one thing that Frank DeFord does not do is give his opinion on Bobby Knight and his infamous actions. DeFord knows that this is a profile piece and not a criticism piece, so his role as a writer is strictly to present Bobby Knight in an honest and unbiased way. Since DeFord centers his role around reporting facts and quotes, instead of centering it around opinion and criticism, Deford allows the audience to make up their own opinion on Bobby Knight.
“The Rabbit Hunter” is one of the best examples of sports writing and profile writing. DeFord was able to take an over the top personality and break it down to a point where Knight feels human and fleshed out to the reader. DeFord was able to use quotes and dialogue to help the reader have a better understanding of who Bobby Knights is. And finally, DeFord was able to stay focused on writing a profile piece and never swayed away from his vision by offering his opinion or criticism in the writing. I’m sure that writing about Bobby Knight was no easy task, but Frank DeFord’s “The Rabbit Hunter” is an all-around success.
