Louisville basketball: The 10 most hated opposing players
By Alan Thomas
Al Gipson – Florida State
1984-1985
One common theme you will see unfold in this countdown is this: if you put your hands on one of ours with intent to harm, that’s an easy way to land in the doghouse.
Al Gipson falls squarely into this category. The colossal big man pretty much had his way with Louisville rebounders throughout their January 1985 contest with the Cardinals. Then towards the end, things got a little quirky.
He was merely being blocked out (textbook-style) by Louisville senior Manuel Forrest after a made shot, when suddenly, for no apparent reason, he began flailing punches at Forrest and other Cardinals in the vicinity, seemingly out of frustration.
This was a completely avoidable situation. I’ve watched the tape dozens of times. Gipson went full-on spoiled brat right in front of our very eyes. Mind you, this occurred following a made basket by Gipson himself.
A slew of haymakers later, both benches had become engulfed in the melee. In the video, you can see Gipson appearing to swing at or near a referee at one point, all while trying to shake off a coach who was trying to restrain him. The fight went down as one of the most violent instances in college sports history. Way to go, Gipson!
Louisville regained composure and stole a victory at the buzzer.