Larry Bird punch ?

[Kbe4]

Yesterday I was reading this article about Larry Bird and it referenced a game back when he was playing for Indiana State at Rutgers and he punched a Rutgers fan in the face. Were any board members at that game ? Know who the punchee was ? Or perhaps was the guy who got punched ?
I honestly don't remember this event. Anybody ?

 

[knight82]

Can't remember who it was, but I'm pretty sure that at one time there was someone here who claimed to be the punchee

 

[Tango Two]

 

[Tango Two]

https://www.app.com/story/sports/college/rutgers/2026/02/12/rutgers-kelvin-troy-guarded-larry-bird-in-college-nit/88586960007/

 

[Pils86]

Wow, scumbag move, I am surprised I never heard that before.

 

[Caliknight]

Can't remember who it was, but I'm pretty sure that at one time there was someone here who claimed to be the punchee

Ironically it was Kb3. He’s smoked so much weed since then he’s forgotten.

 

[Kbe4]

I would add that Larry Bird was IMO one of the greatest basketball players I've ever seen.
Everybody knows that.
The amount of enjoyment I've gotten over the years watching him play the game is huge.
But you really can't punch fans....especially Rutgers fans.

 

[Sweet Pea's Corner]

Would Groz know something about this?

 

[Letitrip]

Was at the game and saw the punch. The guy did taunt Bird in the face but I do not think there was any contact. I can recall the fan dropped but don't recall him being knocked out for long. It was one helluva game. There was also a crazy Indiana State fan dressed in Bird attire complete with a long cape running around the RAC.

 

[DHajekRC1984]

Oh, I thought this was asking about a drink since he played for the Celtics and St. Pats day is coming up.

White Moonshine tinted Green ..

 

[RUnotentertained]

 

[bethlehemfan]

I was there and saw a bird was angry but I missed the punch as far as I can recall. Great game. Bailey was clutch.

 

[RUBigFrank]

I was a witness as I was an usher in the area exit to the locker room. A heckler with horned rimmed glasses - white tape on one arm of the glasses- gave it to Bird. Bird clocked him good - glass and blood all over the floor.

 

[wheezer]

Yesterday I was reading this article about Larry Bird and it referenced a game back when he was playing for Indiana State at Rutgers and he punched a Rutgers fan in the face. Were any board members at that game ? Know who the punchee was ? Or perhaps was the guy who got punched ?
I honestly don't remember this event. Anybody ?

Was there
Great game with James Bailey hitting a short base line jumper for the winning points
Bird put up a desperation jumper from inside,half court that hit the,rim
and would have been a killer

 

[Knights 1212]

It was in the 1978 NIT game and we won on Bailey’s shot near the end. Supposedly a kid did say something to Bird when the game ended and Bird it was said punched the kid. It was kept kind of quiet afterwards and not much was ever said about it.

 

[NewHondo77]

Maybe he had it coming.

I’ll show myself out.