Conn. Lawmakers Want Calhoun Reprimanded

[Southpaw]

More to come?

Conn. Lawmakers Want Calhoun Reprimanded


Feb 26, 5:28 PM (ET)

By SUSAN HAIGH

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly's higher education committee want UConn coach Jim Calhoun 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, said Thursday that Calhoun's outburst on 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.

Both legislators said Calhoun should be reminded that he is a role model for many athletes and students.

A spokeswoman for Hogan declined to comment on the letter. A call was left seeking comment with a spokesman for the UConn athletic department.

Calhoun won his 800th career game Wednesday when the No. 2 Huskies beat Marquette. He is the highest-paid state employee in Connecticut.

Handley and Willis said they are proud of the achievements of Calhoun and his players and acknowledged the school's standing and reputation has improved with UConn's rise to athletic prominence.

"However, with increased success and recognition comes increased responsibility," they wrote to Hogan. "Coach Calhoun's actions were not in keeping with the high ethical standards that we expect from a representative of the University of Connecticut."

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."

 

[MigratingOsprey]

if they have that big of a problem with it, fire him ...... which they'll never do, because he's right .......... despite his salary he's built a program that is an absolute cash cow to the university, bringing private funds into a public university - he's worth every penny

 

[Skkorpion]

if they have that big of a problem with it, fire him ...... which they'll never do, because he's right .......... despite his salary he's built a program that is an absolute cash cow to the university, bringing private funds into a public university - he's worth every penny

You are correct.

 

[82CardsGrad]

if they have that big of a problem with it, fire him ...... which they'll never do, because he's right .......... despite his salary he's built a program that is an absolute cash cow to the university, bringing private funds into a public university - he's worth every penny

Ditto!