Neil Reed, 36, the former Indiana University basketball player who was choked by coach Bob Knight in an incident caught on tape in 1997, died July 26 at his home in Nipomo, Calif.
His former high school coach in Louisiana told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that Mr. Reed had a heart attack.
In March 2000, Mr. Reed accused Knight of choking him during a practice in 1997. When video of the practice surfaced backing Reed’s claim, then-Indiana University President Myles Brand instituted a zero-tolerance policy toward the Hall of Fame coach, who was known for his temper as well as his success.
That September, Knight, who became head coach at Indiana in 1971 and won three national championships, was fired after a student accused him of grabbing his arm.
“Believe it or not, I’m not happy that Indiana fired Coach Knight,” Mr. Reed told ESPN the Magazine at the time. “I don’t have any feelings about it, mostly because I’ve had to stand alone for so long. In a way, I’ve been proven right, but that doesn’t make my life any easier.”
Mr. Reed transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi shortly after the incident at Indiana and played there in the 1998-99 season. He told the magazine that he “fell out of love” with basketball.
“Maybe that was Coach Knight’s fault, and maybe it was partly my fault,” he said. “But if I can handle what I’ve been through, then I know I can handle what lies ahead.”
Mr. Reed grew up in Metairie, La., outside New Orleans, and was honored as one of the state’s top high school players. He played three years at Indiana, from 1994 to 1997, and started 72 games at guard.
After his final season at Southern Mississippi, he played one year of professional basketball in Europe.
Since 2007, Mr. Reed had been teaching physical education and coaching basketball, football and golf at a high school in Santa Maria, Calif.
Survivors include his wife, Kelly Reed; two daughters; his parents; and a sister.
— From news services and staff reports
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