THE SIDELINES : Ex-Coach Blamed for Resignation
GRAMBLING, La. — Bob Hopkins, former men’s basketball coach at Grambling, said Fred Hobdy, the university’s associate athletic director, was one reason Hopkins resigned July 3.
Hopkins said Hobdy, who coached the team for 30 years before retiring three years ago when he was replaced by Hopkins, wanted the job back and tried to “run me off.”
“I don’t believe it would be professional for me to say anything about Bob Hopkins’ accusations,” Hobdy said Thursday. “I laugh about it, but I don’t know why he would say that. I don’t concern myself about it, and it doesn’t bother me.”
Hopkins’ resignation was not officially announced by the school when it happened.
Hobdy won 571 games at Grambling before retiring in 1986. Hopkins said Hobdy wanted to return to win his 600th game.
“He wants to write a book about it,” Hopkins said.
Hobdy denied that.
“I wish somebody would write a book on me, but who would want to?” Hobdy said.
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