“They were wrestling in the room” - When Patrick Ewing was almost sent home from the 1984 Olympics after twisting his neck

Patrick Ewing ’s mature leadership was instrumental in establishing the New York Knicks as consistent Eastern Conference finalists in the 1990s. But in his youth, Big Pat had to develop his interpersonal skills and learn to manage himself around his teammates more effectively.

A significant learning experience occurred during the 1984 Olympics when coach Bob Knight nearly dismissed him from the team after he got involved in a wrestling game in his hotel room with roommate Michael Jordan .

Team USA Coach had almost sent Ewing home

The 1984 Team USA was composed of amateur athletes who were yet to make their debut in the NBA, with Ewing and Jordan being the most prominent players to observe.

However, prior to leading the team to an impressive 8-0 run in LA, coach Knight became so frustrated with Hoya Destroya’s antics that he was hellbent on dismissing him from the team after he sustained a twisted neck following a wrestling match with the UNC star in their hotel accommodation.

"Knight wants to send Ewing home. He and Jordan are roommates," assistant coach C.M. Newton said , per Doug Haller of The Athletic. "They were wrestling in their room and Ewing has a twisted neck."

Fortunately for Ewing, given his track record of averaging 3.3 blocks and 1.1 steals per game during his first three-year tenure for Georgetown, Team USA had placed considerable trust in his lockdown defense capabilities. Consequently, they had only recruited Jon Koncak as a backup center, so dismissing Pat would have posed a significant risk for the American team to win the gold medal.

The same concern was conveyed to Knight by Notre Dame HC Digger Helps (his close friend), which ultimately resulted in the former refraining from making any changes to the roster.

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Ewing with his performance

While Mike dominated on the international stage, leading Team USA with 17.1 points per game, it came as no surprise given the hype surrounding his imminent debut with the Chicago Bulls. Meanwhile, Ewing, who was preparing for his senior year at Georgetown, proved why he was destined to be the No. 1 pick, averaging 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds over the eight games.

Knight’s decision to take strict action against Ewing despite his neck injury while not imposing similar measures on Jordan indicated that the Knicks legend might have been perceived as the instigator. Fortunately for the 7’0” center, he wasn’t sent home and remained on the roster, ultimately winning his first Olympic gold medal.

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