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Big Ten News: Tony Petitti officially introduced as new commissioner

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Tony Petitti has officially been introduced as the new commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. (Tony Petitti / Big Ten)

The Big Ten Conference has officially introduced its new commissioner — Tony Petitti. The league made the reports official on Wednesday afternoon. Tony Petitti replaces Kevin Warren who will become the new President of the Chicago Bears.

Tony Petitti has spent time as the deputy commissioner and COO of MLB and President and CEO of MLB Network.

Petitti comes to the Big Ten with numerous years and experience working with tv rights acquisitions.

Below is the full and official release from the Big Ten Conference.

ROSEMONT, Ill. –

The Big Ten Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C) announced today that Tony Petitti has been named the seventh commissioner of the Big Ten Conference. He will begin his tenure on May 15. He replaces Commissioner Kevin Warren, whose final day with the Big Ten Conference is Friday, April 14. Warren was named president and chief executive officer of the Chicago Bears.

Petitti is a proven leader who brings nearly four decades of sports, business and media industry acumen to the Big Ten Conference. He served as deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of Major League Baseball and president and chief executive officer of MLB Network.

A 14-time National Sports Emmy Award winner, Petitti has held senior executive roles at CBS Sports and ABC Sports overseeing rights acquisition deals for a variety of sports leagues and collegiate and professional sports events, including the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, regular season men’s basketball, college football, NFL, PGA Tour, the Masters, U.S. Open Tennis Championships, and the Little League World Series, as well as leading in the creation of the Bowl Championship Series to determine college football’s national champion.

The search for the seventh Big Ten Conference commissioner was led by the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors’ Executive Search Committee. University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines served as chair alongside University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel, The Ohio State University President Kristina M. Johnson, and Chair of the Council of Presidents and Chancellors and University of Illinois Chancellor Robert Jones.

“I would like to thank all the candidates who spent time with us during the commissioner search process as each illustrated outstanding leadership qualities and a breadth of experience,” President Pines said. “The Big Ten Conference is in an extraordinary position of strength. Tony’s capabilities to navigate the complexities of changing marketplace environments, history as a collaborative leader, and passion for academics and collegiate athletics made him the right leader, at the right time, for the Big Ten Conference.”

TurnkeyZRG, a leading talent recruitment firm in sports, entertainment, music, and media assisted the Big Ten Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors. TurnkeyZRG conducted a comprehensive and inclusive recruitment process that delivered a diverse slate of potential candidates from within collegiate athletics, professional sports, media, government and more.

“We are at a time in collegiate athletics that we need leaders with innovative forethought, the highest principles, and a spirit of fairness and partnership,” Chancellor Jones said. “Tony brings a dynamic style of leadership and impeccable integrity to the conference. The entire Council of Presidents and Chancellors is thrilled to have him serve as the seventh commissioner in Big Ten Conference history.”

The 14 current Big Ten Conference member institutions, in addition to the two new members who will join the conference in 2024, participated in the interview process and the final selection of Petitti.

“At this important and transformational time in collegiate athletics, it is truly my great honor to be chosen by the Council of Presidents and Chancellors as the commissioner of the Big Ten Conference,” Petitti said. “I am energized to work alongside the best athletics directors, coaches, conference staff and board in the country as – together – we continue to elevate the academic and athletic experiences and resources for our 14, soon-to-be 16, world-class universities with nearly 10,000 incredible student-athletes. Thank you to the extraordinary people and places that have led me to this next challenge in my career. I am ready to get to work for the Big Ten Conference community.”

Most recently Petitti was recruited by Liberty Media and The Baupost Group to serve as an advisor to evaluate sports and media properties.

As Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer for Major League Baseball (2014-2020), Petitti was involved in all aspects of MLB including leading broadcast and digital media, special events (All-Star Game, Home Run Derby, MLB postseason scheduling and operations), MLB Network, MLB social media, consumer products and licensing, marketing, youth development, international, and security.

He closely collaborated with 30 MLB team owners and presidents, and key business and operational partners to incorporate ideas and feedback to improve the creation and execution of strategic initiatives. Petitti also participated on MLB’s Competition Committee.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of MLB Network (2008-2014), Petitti led the imagination, creation, buildout and launch of MLB Network in 50 million homes which, at the time, was the largest launch of a cable network in history. Petitti’s vision touched every aspect of content and operations including programming, on-air talent, production team, studio creation, and supporting facilities.

Prior to MLB, Petitti was the executive vice president of CBS Sports (2002-2008) and was an integral part of the network’s NFL coverage. He led the sports programming division and had added responsibility as executive producer for all CBS Sports telecasts. Read full biography.

About the Big Ten Conference

The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness, and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 14 Big Ten institutions will provide over $200 million in direct financial support to more than 9,500 students for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, including the addition of men’s ice hockey and men’s and women’s lacrosse since 2013. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

Follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. 

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Indiana basketball: Gucci Mane to be musical headline for Hoosier Hysteria

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Photo Credit: Indiana basketball

As it was announced per an Indiana basketball release, rapper Gucci Mane will be the musical headline for Hoosier Hysteria this year. This continues the trend of having musical guests at Hoosier Hysteria with G-Herbo performing last year.

Since Mike Woodson has taken over the Indiana basketball program, he has done a great job of bridging the gap of the older and newer Hoosier fans. Bringing in musical guests like Gucci Mane helps the Indiana basketball program become more modernized and connect with the younger generation.

For those that are not familiar, Gucci Man has been active in the rap game since 2001. has released 14 studio albums and over 71 mixtapes throughout his career. In 2007, he founded his own label, 1017 Records. He has worked with artists such as the Weeknd, Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Selena Gomez, Mariah Carey, Usher, Bruno Mars, and Marilyn Manson. His mixtape releases have influenced fellow Atlanta rappers like Young Thug, Migos, Rich Homie Quan, 21 Savage, and Lil Yachty.

He has been called an “avatar of East Atlanta,” and the most influential underground rapper of the 2000s. His best known songs include “Wake Up in the Sky,” “Bluffin,” “I Get the Bag,” and many more.

This move to bring in Gucci Mane connects with Mike Woodson’s ties with the Atlanta area where he coached the Atlanta Hawks from 2004-2010. Indiana associate head coach Yasir Rosemond and players Kaleb Banks and Jakai Newton are all from the Atlanta area, as well.

Concert and event details have not yet been released. Hoosier Hysteria takes place on October 20th.

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball releases full 2023-24 Big Ten schedule

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

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National Bobblehead Hall of Fame unveils two legendary Indiana basketball coach Bob Knight bobbleheads

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Bob Knight asks for a jump ball during the "chair-toss" game in 1985. Bob Knight Old Images 85 Chair Game © John Terhune / Herald Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Per a release from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum on Thursday morning, it was unveiled that two limited-edition bobbleheads of legendary Indiana basketball head coach Bob Knight will be available for purchase.

In the release, it was also reviled that the standing Knight bobbleheads are $30 each, while the chair-throwing bobbleheads are $40 each, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. A set of two is available for $65 and both bobbleheads are expected to ship in December.

Bob Knight, who coached Indiana basketball from 1971-2000, won three national championships for the Hoosiers (1976, 1981, 1987). Besides his time with Indiana basketball, Knight also had stints with Army and Texas Tech.

Below is the full release from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum

MILWAUKEE – Today, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled two limited-edition bobbleheads of legendary college basketball coach Bob Knight. The first bobblehead features Knight wearing his signature red sweater, while the second bobblehead commemorates Knight’s iconic chair-throwing incident. The special edition bobbleheads are being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in conjunction with Knight Legacy. Founded by Coach Knight’s son, Pat Knight, Knight Legacy’s mission is to honor, promote, and preserve the Coach Knight Legacy and the footprint that Hall of Fame Coach Bob Knight has made in the history of basketball.

Standing on a circular base bearing his name, the first Knight bobblehead is wearing a red sweater and dark pants. The top of the base features a facsimile of Coach Knight’s autograph. Standing on a replica hardwood floor base bearing his name, the second Coach Knight bobblehead is wearing a red and white striped short-sleeved shirt like the one worn during Indiana’s game vs. rival Purdue on February 23, 1985, when Knight threw a chair across the Assembly Hall court objecting to a call. The chair throwing incident which has come to be known as “The Chair Game” is still remembered and even celebrated today on its anniversary and when the Hoosiers face Purdue. Knight, who apologized for his actions the next day, joked about throwing the chair since the incident, saying that he saw an old lady standing on the opposite sideline and threw her the chair so she could sit down.

The standing bobblehead is individually numbered to 2,023 while the chair-throwing bobblehead is numbered to 19,850. The bobbleheads are currently available for pre-order exclusively through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The standing Knight bobbleheads are $30 each, while the chair-throwing bobbleheads are $40 each, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. A set of two is available for $65 and both bobbleheads are expected to ship in December.

In his coaching career, Knight finished with an overall record of 902-371. The 902 NCAA Division I victories was a record at the time of his retirement, and currently ranks fifth all-time. He is best known for winning three national championships as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers in 1976, 1981 and 1987. In addition to coaching the Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000, he was also the head coach at Army from 1965 to 1971 and Texas Tech from 2001 to 2008.

Known as one of college basketball’s most successful and innovative coaches, having popularized the motion offense, Knight also won a National Invitation Tournament championship and 11 Big Ten Conference championships along with his three national titles. Knight received National Coach of the Year honors four times and Big Ten Coach of the Year honors eight times. In 1984, he coached the USA men’s Olympic team to a gold medal, becoming one of only three basketball coaches to win an NCAA title, NIT title and an Olympic gold medal. Knight was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991 and was a member of the founding class of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also inducted into the Army Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Indiana Hoosiers Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Born in Massillon, Ohio, on October 25th, 1940, the only child of Pat and Hazel Knight grew up in nearby Orrville. His life in athletics began as a tall first baseman for the Mizer Tykes. He switched to basketball in the sixth grade and became a local star. An excellent student, Knight once won the Orrville Library’s competition for what child could read the most books between June and September. Knight went on to Ohio State where he played for Hall of Fame coach Fred Taylor. He was a reserve forward on the 1960 NCAA championship team that featured future Hall of Famers John Havlicek and Jerry Lucas. The Buckeyes lost in each of the next two NCAA championship games, of which the sharpshooting Knight also played a part of off the bench. One year after graduating from Ohio State with a degree in history and government in 1962, Knight enlisted in the United States Army and served two years of active duty. Knight, who was a private first class, also served nearly four years in the Army reserves. While in the service, Knight was an assistant coach for the Army Black Knights basketball team. As a 24-year-old in 1965, he was named Army’s head coach and compiled a record of 102-50 in six seasons there before going to Indiana.

When asked about the bobbleheads, Coach Knight’s son and Founder of Knight Legacy, Pat Knight said, “We’re thrilled to be honoring my father’s legacy with these limited edition bobbleheads in collaboration with the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. I think these bobbleheads are a great tribute to my dad’s legacy and the passion that he had for basketball and life.”

“We’re excited to team up with Knight Legacy to create these bobbleheads celebrating the legendary coach,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “One of the most successful coaches in the history of college basketball, and we think fans will love these new bobbleheads!”\

Pics of the two limited-edition Bob Knight bobbleheads (Photo Credit: National Bobblehead Hall of Fame.)

SEE ALSO: Photos of Indiana basketball head coach Mike Woodson with former Hoosier standouts Alan Henderson, Calbert Cheaney at charity event

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

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Hoosiers For Good announces largest NIL class, including all 12 Indiana basketball scholarship players

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Hoosiers For Good announced it signed its largest NIL class, including 31 student-athletes and 12 Indiana basketball scholarship players
Hoosiers For Good announced it signed its largest NIL class, including 31 student-athletes and 12 Indiana basketball scholarship players. (Alex Martin/Journal and Courier-USA TODAY NETWORK)

Hoosiers For Good, one of the top Indiana NIL collective groups, announced on Thursday that it has signed its largest NIL class, including 31 Indiana student-athletes.

It includes members from eight different sports, including all 12 Indiana basketball scholarship players.

Below is the full release.

Bloomington, Ind. – Hoosiers For Good Inc., an official NIL collective of Indiana University Athletics, signed a spring class of 31 IU student-athletes who will use their name, image, and likeness (NIL) to make an impact on 13 Indiana charity partners. This is Hoosiers For Good’s largest class of athletes since launching in March of 2022.  

The summer class represents eight IU sports, including women’s basketball, men’s basketball, football, baseball, softball, women’s field hockey, women’s rowing, and women’s golf.  

Hoosiers For Good will partner the athletes with 13 different charitable organizations throughout the state of Indiana, including six new charity partners. With this class, Hoosiers For Good has partnered with 30 charitable organizations and formed yearlong agreements with 96 student athletes. Hoosiers For Good athletes provide in-kind services to their partnered organizations including in-person appearances and social media posts to promote their appearances and important initiatives for their charity partners.

“I’m proud of the impact that Hoosiers For Good and our student-athletes have made on our charitable partners since we launched in March of 2022,” said Tyler Harris, Executive Director of Hoosiers For Good. “With each class of athletes we announce, we are furthering our commitment to our partners to raise awareness for the work they do in our communities. It’s exciting to be a part of and I’m looking forward to seeing how these 31 athletes use their voices to make a difference.” 

This class includes several athletes who are entering into their second year as a Hoosiers For Good athlete, including men’s basketball player Xavier Johnson. Johnson is partnered with A Kid Again, an organization that aims to foster hope, happiness, and healing for children with life-threatening conditions and their families.  

“I’m excited to partner with Hoosiers For Good for a second year,” said Johnson. “Through my partnership with Hoosiers For Good I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing kids and families who are a part of A Kid Again and I can’t wait to meet more people and use my voice for good again this year.” 

The Hoosiers For Good Summer 2023 Class 

  • A Kid Again – Sydney Keld, Xavier Johnson, Luke Sinnard, Devin Taylor
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters South Central Indiana – Malik Reneau
  • Boone County Mentoring Partnership – DeQuece Carter, JoJo Johnson, Derin McCulley
  • Cancer Support Community – Kaleb Banks, Julianna LaMendola, Lenée Beaumont
  • Girls Inc. of Monroe County – Brianna Copeland, Taylor Minnick, Faith Johnson, Chloe Johnson, Clare Hunsberger
  • Indiana Wish – Mackenzie Mgbako, Sydney Parrish
  • LittleStar ABA Therapy – Trey Galloway
  • Mackida Loveal & Trip Outreach Center – Jakai Newton, Anthony Walker
  • Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation – Nic Toomer, Amare Ferrell, Jordan Shaw
  • Project 44 – Anthony Leal, Payton Sparks
  • Turnstone – Gabe Cupps, Kel’el Ware
  • Warriors for Peace – CJ Gunn
  • Wheeler Mission – Robby Harrison, Louis Moore

About Hoosiers For Good 

The mission of Hoosiers For Good, an official NIL partner of Indiana University Athletics, is to raise awareness for charitable causes throughout Indiana—by partnering local charities with community-minded IU student athletes who choose to use their platform and influence to amplify the philanthropic work that helps our community thrive. For more information, visit www.HoosiersForGood.org. 

Follow on social: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 

Donate now: Hoosiers for Good Inc holds 501(c)3 status, and all donations are tax deductible. 

Hoosiers for Good encourages donors to consult their accountants or attorneys regarding the deductibility of donations. Hoosiers for Good applied for and received IRS recognition as a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. As such, donations to Hoosiers for Good are eligible to be claimed as charitable deductions consistent with the general limitations regarding the deductibility of charitable donations under current law. The current tax-exempt status of an organization can be verified using the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search Tool available at https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/search-for-tax-exempt-organizations. 

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

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