Knight Issues an Apology

Indiana basketball Coach Bob Knight apologized Sunday for throwing a chair in a game against Purdue Saturday, saying his action was an “embarrassment” to the university.

After meeting with Indiana Athletic Director Ralph Floyd, Knight issued a statement saying his actions were prompted by his frustration over officiating in the Big Ten, including the 72-63 loss to Purdue.

“While I have been very concerned of the way some things have been handled in the Big Ten, in particular the officiating which has really frustrated me the past couple of years, I do not think my action in the Purdue game was in any way necessary or appropriate,” Knight said. “No one realizes that more than I do.

“I am certain that what I did in tossing the chair was an embarrassment to Indiana University. That was not my intention and for that reason I’m deeply sorry for it.

“While I certainly take exception to criticism on who I start or play in any game, I feel a criticism of my action in throwing the chair is justifiable. It’s something that I will not let happen again.”

Knight’s tirade Saturday occurred after two quick fouls were called against the Hoosiers and earned him three fast technicals and immediate ejection. The chair-throwing incident came after the first technical.

On his television show Sunday, Knight began his discussion of the incident by reiterating his feelings about officiating.

“I’ve been upset with the officiating all year long,” Knight said. “I don’t think that’s a secret to anybody.”

Indiana’s loss dropped its record to 14-10 overall and 6-8 in the Big Ten.

“I think we are all struggling,” Knight said. “I’m struggling to do a better job coaching and the players are struggling to do a better job playing. The players have tried to work out things. We just have not come up with a solution.”

Olympic champion Dietmar Mogenburg of West Germany set a world indoor best of 7 feet 10 inches in the high jump in an international meet in Cologne, West Germany.

Mogenburg broke the record of 7-9 3/4 set Friday by Patrik Sjoberg of Sweden in West Berlin.

Mogenburg’s mark equaled the world outdoor record of 7-10 set last year by Zhu Jianhua of China at Eberstadt, West Germany.

A highly ranked speed skier died of head injuries suffered when he fell during the preliminary round of jumping in Saturday’s Suburu Goliath Gelande, at the Purgatory, Colo. ski area, an official said Sunday.

Peter Perry, 27, of Dillon, Colo. was first treated at the Purgatory Clinic, then taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Durango, and later transferred to the San Juan Medical Center in Farmington, N.M.

Hospital officials said Perry died of the head injuries at about 7:20 p.m. Saturday.

John Castino, whose playing career with the Minnesota Twins ended after his second spinal fusion operation Feb. 5, has been given a job in the Twins’ front office.

“We haven’t decided on any title,” Twins President Howard Fox said, “but he will work closely with me and I hope I can give him the benefit of my experiences.”

Castino, 30, an infielder, signed a guaranteed four-year contract with the Twins in December 1983 for a reported $2.7 million. But he was able to participate in only eight games last season because of back problems.