The Bombers mentor has again been under the pump this week following his team’s dismal showing against the Adelaide Crows on Saturday night.
But Knights bristled at continued suggestions in some sections of the media that all was not well between he and his players.
“I would say it lacks work rate in journalism, or TV or media because it’s an easy grab,” Knights said on Tuesday morning.
“Does it really require any research? No, it probably doesn’t. So it’s easy to grab those one-liners.
“If you’re going to do it, do your research and come strong with fact, and come strong with players that have got relationship issues with myself".
Knights said having been at Windy Hill for several years, including as VFL coach under Kevin Sheedy, he felt he could tell his players how they were going in a forthright manner and expected the same in return.
“I guess that’s one thing I really pride [myself on]; that I’ve got a great two-way relationship with the playing group. Anyone that is on the inside would understand that", he said.
“I’ve come through with so many of these guys through the Bendigo Bombers and built up a rapport over time and that allows you to be on the front foot.
“It allows you to be very honest with each other, and that’s what we are ... so [I’ve got a] great relationship with all the playing group.”
