Could worn/fouled spark plugs cause a knock sensor code?

2001 Lexus RX300, crank/ no start. Only two codes
for knock sensor bank 2 and manufacturer control
(forgot the actual codes). Ended up figuring out the
manufacturer control code refers to O2 sensor.
I'm assuming that even if the sensors are bad, the
vehicle should still start. I read a forum suggesting
to clean the IAC, I didn't have any throttle body
cleaner on me so I used a little starting fluid and a
rag. I managed to start the vehicle by stepping on
the gas pedal while cranking and had to slowly ese
off the throttle until it ran on its own (about
500rpm maybe less) but kind of rough. I checked
spark plugs and they were pretty worn.
My question is, if the spark plugs are that bad,
could it throw those codes?
I'm sure a better cleaning of the IAC is called for, as
well as replacing the spark plugs. Has anyone had
a similar issue?