INDIANA — Former Indiana University men’s basketballcoach Bob Knight issued an affidavit Wednesday waiving his confidentialityrights to his personnel records and sparking new debate in TheIndianapolis Star’s lawsuit against the university.
After Knight’s firing in September 2000, The Star attemptedto obtain records related to the firing. When the university deniedthe request, the newspaper filed a lawsuit accusing the universityof violating the Public Records Act. The case is pending in MorganCounty Superior Court III.
Kevin Betz, attorney for The Star, has not yet seenthe affidavit, but believes that it will enhance The Star‘scase.
"Any affidavit by Knight waiving his confidentiality concernssimply adds one more element to the mix that [the documents] shouldbe made public," he told the Indiana Daily Student."The trustees should make them public to the citizens ofIndiana."
It is unclear, however, whether the university will releasethe information. Spokeswoman Susan Dillman said university counselhas not reviewed the document.
The Star‘s lawsuit is joined by another filed againstPresident Myles Brand. A group of 46 alumni claim Brand violatedthe state’s Open Door Law during meetings to discuss Knight’sfiring. The case also is pending.