What is the story behind the Rick Barnes/Dean Smith confrontation/animosity from RB's Celmson days? Talking w/ some friends about the Clemson-UNC game and this came up. Although I vaguely remember it at happening, I don't recall any details.
They got into a shouting match during a game and Barnes had the "audacity" to stand up to Dean Smith, which apparently sent the NC faithful into a rage, because you don't dare stand up to Coach Smith. It's not a big deal between the coaches because they've both talked about vacationing together during the past in the offseason.
Yeah, I knew it was squashed a long time ago, I just couldn't remember exactly what it was that set the whole thing off. Thanks!
Clemson played physical defense to make up for a lack of talent, like Texas did early in Barnes' career. During one UNC/Clemson game, Smith was yelling at Clemson players for what he believed to be overly physical defense. Barnes took offense to Smith talking to his players in such a way and let him know about it.
