Spring Break
The Storrs Side: Calhoun should consider salary cut
Russell Blair
Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: Sports
By now we've all seen repeats of Jim Calhoun's outburst when freelance reporter Ken Krayeske suggested he should return part of his $1.6 million salary.
"My best advice to you is, shut up," Calhoun quipped, going on to say the basketball program brought in $12 million to the university.
Krayeske's question raises a valid point, just at the wrong time. A post-game press conference, such as the one Saturday, is to discuss what happened on the court and what the team is looking toward in the future. It is not a forum to attack state employees about their compensation.
In a time in when the university is facing department-wide budget cuts, it might make sense to start at the top and work down. However, on March 10, when the Board of Trustees meets to discuss budget cuts and tuition increases, Calhoun's salary will likely not be on the table.
Calhoun has more than earned his salary for the past 24 seasons he's been at UConn, winning two national championships, numerous Big East titles and providing a notoriety and boost in out-of-state tuition that simply can't be calculated numerically.
With the state of Connecticut in a deficit, Gov. M. Jodi Rell has cut back the amount of money allocated to UConn in her latest budget, forcing the university to act. The three highest paid head coaches at UConn, Calhoun, Geno Auriemma and Randy Edsall make more than $4 million combined, part of which comes from money raised by the university's athletic department.
Calhoun though should consider the example set forth by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and think about what can be done to help university students in the current economic times. If Calhoun were to come forward on his own accord to help ease the budget deficit, he would do even more good for the university than he already has.
After all, if tuition prices keep rising, Calhoun may see fewer and fewer fans in the student section to cheer on the Huskies.
"My best advice to you is, shut up," Calhoun quipped, going on to say the basketball program brought in $12 million to the university.
Krayeske's question raises a valid point, just at the wrong time. A post-game press conference, such as the one Saturday, is to discuss what happened on the court and what the team is looking toward in the future. It is not a forum to attack state employees about their compensation.
In a time in when the university is facing department-wide budget cuts, it might make sense to start at the top and work down. However, on March 10, when the Board of Trustees meets to discuss budget cuts and tuition increases, Calhoun's salary will likely not be on the table.
Calhoun has more than earned his salary for the past 24 seasons he's been at UConn, winning two national championships, numerous Big East titles and providing a notoriety and boost in out-of-state tuition that simply can't be calculated numerically.
With the state of Connecticut in a deficit, Gov. M. Jodi Rell has cut back the amount of money allocated to UConn in her latest budget, forcing the university to act. The three highest paid head coaches at UConn, Calhoun, Geno Auriemma and Randy Edsall make more than $4 million combined, part of which comes from money raised by the university's athletic department.
Calhoun though should consider the example set forth by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and think about what can be done to help university students in the current economic times. If Calhoun were to come forward on his own accord to help ease the budget deficit, he would do even more good for the university than he already has.
After all, if tuition prices keep rising, Calhoun may see fewer and fewer fans in the student section to cheer on the Huskies.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 24
KDK
posted 2/26/09 @ 10:50 AM EST
You have got to be kidding me! Where is UConn going to find the money they'll lose if Calhoun goes elsewhere? You really think that if tuition goes up students won't be able to afford the $50 for a season ticket at the XL Center? Give me a break. (Continued…)
David Agosta
posted 2/26/09 @ 10:54 AM EST
At the press conference, Calhoun said "We" bring in $12 million. He said "we" so I guess he understands that he didn't build this program all by himself. (Continued…)
Jack
posted 2/26/09 @ 11:23 AM EST
I'd like to see some investigation into the following claims:
1. The basketball program actually brings $12 million in revenue to the university. (Money that goes right back into the basketball program should be deducted from the total. (Continued…)
Dr. K
posted 2/26/09 @ 11:32 AM EST
Nobody seems to get it! The question was ill timed but it is the tone and attitude of Calhoun's response that was wrong and it's not the first time he has been "out of bounds" with a comment. (Continued…)
bob
posted 2/26/09 @ 11:33 AM EST
Russell,
My best advice to you would be shut up.
Common Sense
posted 2/26/09 @ 11:53 AM EST
After everything Coach Calhoun has done for this University, he shouldn't have to deal with this garbage. He had every right to react that way when that idiot persisted with his inapprorpiate questions. (Continued…)
orlando
posted 2/26/09 @ 12:18 PM EST
I vote for "Common Sense" to send Calhoun a personal check for $100...That can be his raise...
Seriously..this whole story is so appalling because so many people jump to Calhoun's side. (Continued…)
Boston Alum
posted 2/26/09 @ 12:28 PM EST
Russell-
You obviously are in the same genetic cesspool that Ken Krayeske has come from and I suggest that you both return before you do anymore damage. (Continued…)
Spence Roman
posted 2/26/09 @ 12:48 PM EST
From the ranks of the UCONN Club of Chicago
I simply wanted to chime in on the current topic having seen the Press
Conference interview and Jim Calhoun's response. (Continued…)
Joseph Krimer
posted 2/26/09 @ 3:18 PM EST
Obviously this ungrateful excuse of a UCONN student by the name of Russell Blair doesn't know what he's talking about. I suggest we email Jeff Hathaway about having the Daily Campus banned from covering the huskies until they show an ounce of humility and show RESPECT to the Huskies. (Continued…)
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