Coach of many words leaves quietly

Women's basketball coach Pat Knapp was never one to stay mum (well, except when his anger forced him to resort to hand-written statements, or when it came to possibly revealing any strategy).

But when I finally got a hold of him this afternoon -- two-plus weeks after the Athletic Department announced that his contract would not be renewed -- Knapp had no desire to speak. After I introduced myself, he immediately replied, in one breath:

"I'm sorry, I have no interest in talking, thank you very much (click)."

This from a man who guaranteed victory, then backed off; who cited Einstein and rocket science; and who invoked "Yes we can" well before Barack Obama took center stage.

Knapp didn't like the past. But we do, so after the jump, here are some of the best Knapp quotes of the last three seasons, to honor his silent departure.

Quotes from the 'Command of language' department:

"It stinks. I can't give you any other word but it stinks, and I don't like it." [01/25/2007]

"I don't know how to spell discombobulated, but it was a wreck." [12/09/2008]

"I don't know if there's another guard in the country getting as many rebounds. ... So as they say in jolly old England, 'Bully for her.'" [02/16/2009]

"Those numbers meaning nothing to me. It's all -- excuse my French -- bull crap." [02/16/2007]

The 'Can't comment on the officiating' department:

"Reporters are always trying to get coaches to break rules." [02/16/2009]

Defenders need only "breathe on" La Salle's Crista Ricketts to be called for a foul. [11/22/2006]

The 'Good pep-talk' department:

"Well, it was no magic saying." [02/05/2007]

"It's not the time for any sterling commentary by me." [11/04/2008].

"I'm going to tell them on the bus again what I told them in the locker room...You should feel bad about losing. You should feel damn bad about losing." [12/04/2008]

The 'Coaching strategy' department

"I lost track, I took so many people out for not boxing out." [01/25/2007]

"You either use the whip, or you use calm, and calm didn't work." [12/06/2007]

"I'm not gonna tell [my players] not to shoot. I can't bring freaking Kobe Bryant in to shoot threes. They are our shooters." [02/26/2007]

And last, but not least, his golden nuggets.

The 'Only Pat Knapp' department:

"Joey and Monica are seasoned veterans, they are rock." [12/08/2006]

On Kelly Scott's return to the lineup: "God, I hope it helps. I need a good rest tonight." [11/19/2007]

"This team came in driving an Indy racecar. We showed up with a bicycle." [12/06/2007]

"We're just going to shiver in our boots and fall over and just die. So we're not even going to show up." [02/06/2009]

"I know nothing about Kelly's [horseback-riding] hobby, and it may be totally benign and safe. I do know you can bet on horses, though, under NCAA rules, because there's no horse racing as an NCAA sport." [11/12/2008]