HARTFORD, Conn. -- The leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly's higher education committee say UConn coach Jim Calhoun should be reprimanded for his tirade at a freelance journalist who questioned his $1.6 million salary.
Sen. Mary Ann Handley, D-Manchester, and Rep. Roberta Willis, D-Lakeville, say Calhoun's outburst Saturday does not reflect well on him or the state's flagship university.
"His recent behavior was unacceptable and we request that the university take appropriate disciplinary action to reinforce the high ethical standards we have come to expect from our flagship institution," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to UConn President Michael J. Hogan...
In a statement, Hogan called Calhoun a "valued member of the UConn community" and said the reporter was also to blame for the controversy.
"The question he was asked about his salary was perfectly fair, although the reporter, as Coach Calhoun suggested, might have found a more appropriate and less provocative setting for his inquiry," Hogan said. "I am sure that we all regret the controversy, including Coach Calhoun, and I can assure you that we will continue to encourage all members of the UConn community to resist temptation and treat others in a judicious and respectful manner, no matter what the circumstances."
Calhoun won his 800th career game Wednesday when the No. 2 Huskies beat Marquette. He is the highest-paid state employee in Connecticut.
Late Thursday, Calhoun issued a statement and said his comments were "misinterpreted" as being insensitive to the current economic climate.
"I believe I have a duty, responsibility and obligation to support the state I love and the many people and organizations of Connecticut that are in need," Calhoun said. "I look forward to continuing with the same amount of passion and commitment to assist people and causes that are important to me and my family."...
Ken Krayeske, a political activist and freelance reporter, questioned Calhoun at a news conference following Saturday's 64-50 win over South Florida. He asked why the coach of a public university collects a salary of $1.6 million while the state has a budget deficit of more than $1 billion this fiscal year and up to $8.7 billion over the next two fiscal years.
Calhoun first responded with a joke, then grew angry as Krayeske continued the line of questioning.
"My best advice to you is, shut up," Calhoun said.
"Quite frankly, we bring in $12 million to the university, nothing to do with state funds," Calhoun said. "We make $12 million a year for this university. Get some facts and come back and see me ... Don't throw out salaries and other things."
Earlier this week, Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell told reporters that she believed Calhoun regrets his outburst and called the tirade an "embarrassing display."I suppose Coach Calhoun could have responded with a more appropriate tone. The question about his salary, however, was not at all perfectly fair, neither in the context -- a press conference to discuss Basketball -- nor content -- Calhoun is not over paid relative to market, and he is a net earner for the State of Connecticut.
He is a Hall of Fame coach, who built that program from scratch. As a Huskies fan, I have been increasingly dis-enamored with the manner in which Calhoun treats his players and not sure his best coaching days are behind him. That said, given his popularity in-state, if he was to announce his retirement after the season due to the criticism and lack of support from the administration and politicians, they would likely bend over backwards begging him to return, and would lose their jobs if he didn't.
No comments:
Post a Comment