Neil Reed, Indiana basketball star, dead at 36

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Neil Reed, the former Indiana University basketball player whose coach, Bob Knight, was caught on tape choking him in 1997, has died after collapsing in his California home. He was 36.

Pioneer Valley High School Principal Shanda Herrera said Reed died Thursday morning of heart complications in Nipomo, Calif.

In March 2000, Reed accused Knight of choking him during a practice in 1997. When video of the practice surfaced backing Reed's claim, the Hall of Fame coach, known for both his temper and his success, was put on a zero-tolerance policy by then-Indiana University president Myles Brand, a Brooklyn native.

That September, Knight, who became head coach at Indiana in 1971 and won three national championships, was fired after a student accused him of grabbing his arm.

Reed transferred to Southern Mississippi shortly after the incident and played there in the 1998-99 season.

Herrera said Reed had worked at the Santa Maria school coaching football, basketball, golf and teaching physical education since 2007.

Reed is survived by his wife, Kelly, and two daughters.

-- AP