• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Bobby Knight on Trump: 'That Son of a B---- Could Play for Me!'

1:00
Donald Trump In A Minute
Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images
ByCANDACE SMITH
April 28, 2016, 10:57 PM

— -- Republican front-runner Donald Trump seems to have found a kindred spirit in famed, former Indiana University head coach Bobby Knight.

Knight has appeared with the businessman at two events in Indiana, praising Trump’s “preparedness.”Both have reputations for pursuing the win -- Knight boasting 900 career wins and Trump on a primary winning streak.

But both also have their share of controversies. Trump has come under fire for appearing to be xenophobic, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant, and for his comments on abortion. Knight was infamously fired from his coaching position after allegations of physical assault. He faced added scrutiny when he made a comparison between handling stress and rape during an NBC News interview, saying, ''I think that if rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy it.”

Trump and Knight have bonded recently, with Knight throwing his endorsement to the real-estate mogul.

Related Articles

Twitter Reacts to Donald Trump's Accusation That Hillary Clinton Is Playing the 'Woman Card'

Related Articles

Trump Slams Cruz for Naming Fiorina as Running Mate

Related Articles

Trump's Foreign Policy Will Put 'America First,' He Says

While speaking to an Evansville, Indiana crowd, Knight defended Trump against claims that the candidate was not presidential enough, comparing him to Harry Truman, who Knight said was accused of the same thing.

“They told him that he wasn’t presidential, and Harry Truman, with what he did in dropping and having the guts to drop the bomb in 1944, saved, saved billions of American lives,” Knight said. “That’s what Harry Truman did and he became one of the three great presidents of the United States. And here’s a man who would do the same thing because he’s going to become one of the four great presidents of the United States.”

Knight also said during Trump’s Indiana visit that the candidate isn’t beholden to any party."This man is not a Republican. He's not a Democrat at heart. He's just a great American.”

In Knight’s speech before introducing Trump he exclaimed, "Let me first tell you that I was very, very selective with players during the time I was here. And I’ll tell you one thing that man that was just up here a moment ago, I will tell you, that son of a b--- could play for me!"

While introducing Knight, Trump returned the favor, praising the coach as “the best.”“You don’t get any better, tough, tough. Would you say he was tough enough, would you say?” he asked the audience.

Up Next in News—

This San Francisco shop is run completely by an AI agent

April 23, 2026

Mother charged after teen son allegedly hits and injures 81-year-old veteran while riding e-motorcycle

April 23, 2026

UK bill banning smoking products for those born after 2008 is one step away from becoming law

April 22, 2026

Pilot killed in Florida plane crash hailed as hero

April 21, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News