First, let me say that I do not want to speak ill of the dead. John Wooden was a class act and always treated others with respect and was known for his humility.
But don’t try and tell me that the guy who led a team to 11 national championships, coached 34 first-team All-America selections, and owns a ridiculous 88-game win streak wasn’t dirty. He basically admitted as much in his own autobiography and some excerpts and quotes from Bill Walton’s book are especially damning.
"I hate to say anything that may hurt UCLA, but I can't be quiet when I see what the NCAA is doing (to other coaches) only because (they have) a reputation for giving a second chance to many black athletes other coaches have branded as troublemakers. The NCAA is working night and day trying to get (them), but no one from the NCAA ever questioned me during my four years at UCLA."
California contractor and noted Bruin booster Sam Gilbert pretty much paid every player on the UCLA roster during Wooden’s tenure, with Wooden even openly confronting players about flashy new clothes or expensive purchases – but never acting. He knew about it and knew it helped him win so he allowed it. How is that a man of character?
The guy was a class act and a winner. But don’t tell me he was a saint or he was perfect. If he embodies basketball then so does Jerry Tarkanian – players say he changed their lives and was like a father to them and is held in incredibly high regard by those he coached.
Do you think John Wooden is deserving of all of the love he received? Would he be able to get away with running a program the same way today?