FRESNO (KMJ) — Hall of Fame basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian has died.
The 84 year old had been hospitalized since February 9th – battling a respiratory aliment and infection.
Known for his towel-chewing and the nickname "Tark the Shark" – Jerry Tarkanian passed away this morning at a Las Vegas hospital.
The son of Armenian immigrants – Tarkanian was born in Euclid, Ohio in 1930.
He endeared himself to the Central Valley… when he coached Fresno state's men's basketball team from 1995 until 2002 – twice taking the Bulldogs to the NCAA tournament.
Before his stint as a Bulldog – Tarkanian gained national prominence while head coaching the UNLV men's hoop team to a national title in 1990.
The following year – Tark testified before Congress criticizing the NCAA for its oversight and intimidation tactics within college sports.
his comments came after his University of Nevada Las Vegas program was placed on probation for recruiting violations and allegations of misconduct.
Tarkanian weathered that storm – and was enshrined in the college hall of fame in 2013.
Tark's health had been in decline for the better part of the last year.
He had been hospitalized three times in the last 10 months… including treatment for a second heart attack in April… and pneumonia in November.
He passed away earlier this morning.
