Spring Break
In defense of Jim Calhoun
Marc Gauthier
Issue date: 3/5/09 Section: Sports
Let's talk about Jim Calhoun.
As many, or nearly all, of you know, the Hall-of-Fame men's basketball coach has been in the press recently for some questionable comments in the South Florida post-game interview.
His statements have been talked about, discussed, debated and nearly beaten to death, but for the sake of putting one more perspective - a student's perspective - out there, let's talk about Jim Calhoun.
I was there on that Saturday afternoon, alongside 15 or so reporters. It was your typical post-game atmosphere. There were reporters from every paper in the state mechanically typing away their stories. There were smiles, because an early Saturday game meant a great Saturday night. There were even some smart remarks about why UConn didn't recruit Dominique Jones - all in good humor, of course.
As it was time to move into the conference room, the sports editor and I sat in the second row.
After USF head coach Stan Heath spoke about his thoughts on the game, Calhoun came in the room and gave his own take on how the Huskies played.
Of course, when Calhoun finished his part, the first question came from Ken Krayeske and I guess you could say the rest is history.
As soon as the whole exchange happened, it was apparent that this wasn't going to end well. Calhoun's sarcastic remarks, matched by, what I think was an equally sarcastic, "What's the deal with Comcast worth?" paved the way for a the blowup.
Now before I go into what I think about the whole situation, I want to point out that while Calhoun, in a way, was verbally abusive, I wouldn't consider his comments a blowup. Let's think about it. Somehow, Calhoun managed to refrain from swearing in the entire exchange.
But on to bigger and better things.
I want to first point out that Krayeske didn't have any media credentials to be at the post-game interview. Well, that's not entirely true. Krayeske did have credentials - but they were photo credentials. And while this continues to be debated, the way Krayeske got those original credentials may or may not have been a little shady.
As many, or nearly all, of you know, the Hall-of-Fame men's basketball coach has been in the press recently for some questionable comments in the South Florida post-game interview.
His statements have been talked about, discussed, debated and nearly beaten to death, but for the sake of putting one more perspective - a student's perspective - out there, let's talk about Jim Calhoun.
I was there on that Saturday afternoon, alongside 15 or so reporters. It was your typical post-game atmosphere. There were reporters from every paper in the state mechanically typing away their stories. There were smiles, because an early Saturday game meant a great Saturday night. There were even some smart remarks about why UConn didn't recruit Dominique Jones - all in good humor, of course.
As it was time to move into the conference room, the sports editor and I sat in the second row.
After USF head coach Stan Heath spoke about his thoughts on the game, Calhoun came in the room and gave his own take on how the Huskies played.
Of course, when Calhoun finished his part, the first question came from Ken Krayeske and I guess you could say the rest is history.
As soon as the whole exchange happened, it was apparent that this wasn't going to end well. Calhoun's sarcastic remarks, matched by, what I think was an equally sarcastic, "What's the deal with Comcast worth?" paved the way for a the blowup.
Now before I go into what I think about the whole situation, I want to point out that while Calhoun, in a way, was verbally abusive, I wouldn't consider his comments a blowup. Let's think about it. Somehow, Calhoun managed to refrain from swearing in the entire exchange.
But on to bigger and better things.
I want to first point out that Krayeske didn't have any media credentials to be at the post-game interview. Well, that's not entirely true. Krayeske did have credentials - but they were photo credentials. And while this continues to be debated, the way Krayeske got those original credentials may or may not have been a little shady.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Dr. K
posted 3/05/09 @ 3:31 PM EST
Marc...The fact that UCONN has the #1 men's and women's basketball program will mean NOTHING to you when you go to get a job in a year and half.
It is all about perspective. (Continued…)
Anyone
posted 3/05/09 @ 5:37 PM EST
Dr K-
Of course it will matter. The more national attention a university has and the more of a household name it is WILL have an impact when you are looking for a job. (Continued…)
Parent
posted 3/05/09 @ 5:39 PM EST
Krayeskie asked inappropriate questions to Coach at an inappropriate time. Questions following the game should have been about the game, Uconn players' performances, the other team's performance and how best to prepare for the next game on the schedule. (Continued…)
ked
posted 3/06/09 @ 6:30 PM EST
Yes folks. Keep paying millions to people who play games, and to people who direct others in the playing of games. Let us continue to pretend that is a sensible rewards system, and that the money so allocated could not possibly be put to better use. (Continued…)
Post a Comment