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Monday, Feb. 28, 2011 | 12:25 p.m.
I get upset every time I think about the NCAA. I just get so mad whenever I read or see something about the NCAA and how they treated me so unfairly.
That was my initial reaction last week when watching the premiere of the documentary “Runnin’ Rebels of UNLV,” which was produced by HBO Sports. (The hour-long program debuts March 12 and runs throughout the month).
I have to learn to better accept everything that happened with the NCAA. That is part of me.
Overall, HBO did a good job with the documentary. They were professional and fair. The story had to be done and they had a lot of guts for doing it.
CBS tried to do something similar seven or eight years ago. They were trying to air it on the Sunday before the championship game, but the NCAA made them pull it out. I couldn’t believe that.
I’m glad HBO came in and did it. I would say 75 percent of the program was positive. For me, that is a pretty good percentage.
They showed what it was like coaching here and the excitement we had. Not only did we have a great team, we had great, great fans. It was a fun part of everyone’s life.
They showed the parade we had after the national championship win (in 1990). I can remember that parade, but I can’t remember it being that big. We started in downtown and went along the Strip. I’m telling you, that was our city. What a great time for the Rebels.
The documentary was also good for my family.
By getting so caught-up fighting the NCAA, I often missed several milestones in my children’s lives. I remember one time when my daughter Jodie walked down the stairs of our two-story house, I said: “My God, Jodie, you really look great.” My children grew up so fast.
Jodie helped HBO track down the phone numbers for a lot of my former players. Several of them attended the after-party following the documentary screening at the Palms. It was great to see all of the guys together again. Lois loved seeing everyone, too.
I don’t get out much with my legs bothering me, but Larry Johnson brought me to Saturday’s game against Wyoming.
I’m really impressed with that sophomore Anthony Marshall. He is really a player. He is as quick and explosive of anyone in the nation.
That was a good win they had last week at Colorado State. They couldn’t buy a bucket until the second half, then just exploded.
I know BYU and San Diego State have had great season, but don’t count the Rebels out in the league tournament. They always have a shot to win because it is here in Vegas.
I hope Vegas turns out for the tournament and embraces their Rebels. I'll be flying in specifically for the tournament and hope others join me in my enthusiasm. Can't wait to view the documentary, and Tark, I wish you the best of health in the future.
I cannot wait to watch the documentary. Those years were some of the best in my life and I will never forget the excitement that surrounded the Runnin Rebs. Thanks Coach!
I really enjoyed the documentary coach. It was sort of bittersweet I guess. I hope you never have to wonder how much this town loves you...
Tark, thank you for all you have done for this community. In my opinion, the examples you set with your commitment to your players, even when faced with tremendous pressure from the NCAA and the risks you took to give your kids a chance(and sometimes a second chance) to become educated men are the greatest part of your legacy.
Oh, and that 90-91 team was pretty good too;) Thanks Coach
Just got through reading "Slam Dunked" about the way the NCAA slammed Beryl Shipley and USL (now Louisiana Lafayette) with the death penalty for having the nerve to field an integrated team.
I take back everything bad I ever said about you, Coach, and apologize to you for having said them.