I've heard that they hide all kinds of facts in books.
To advocate not reading books about a topic...seems like a giant step back in time.... to the age of cave pictorials, songs, stories and dance past down generations.
Let’s face it, the written word has been more of a help than a hindrance.
As far as someone passing on knowledge as their own...well that would be plagiarism wouldn't it in an academic sense. In a sport sense, citing references while imparting knowledge or showing someone how to do something would be a waist of time, let alone just plain funny...
Can you imagine some American grid iron coach explaining the historical references to each play while coaching... It would be like be hilarious...