Jim Calhoun

[Kadabra]

Anyone catch that press conference where Jim Calhoun was questioned about being the highest paid state employee during this recession?

The reporter (some idiot), said how Calhoun felt about being paid 1.5 million from state funds, when they are operating at a deficit. He argued that his program brings $12 million back to the unversity.

Bringing it back to a Texas topic, I know that here, our athletic funding is separate from the University founding. It is my understanding that they don't mix.

Are we the exception to this, or do most universities operate this way? Also, because of this, does the revenue from our athletic program ever go back to the University? I would assume no, but that's expected considering it's a different revenue stream.

Maybe that's why our coachs' salaries don't get as much heat.

Thoughts?

 

[Ignatius]

Ours is one of 19 (I think that's right, I read it somewhere recently) universities whose athletic departments are completely self-sustaining. I'm 99% sure that since the fiscal split from the university (in 2001, 2002?) money doesn't flow back to the university, except for things like purchasing scholarships.

You'll still see a letter a week to the Statesman whining about this ("Look at the football coach making millions while tuition continues to skyrocket!"), but these people don't know what the **** they're talking about. People don't give money to the Foundation so some academic can decide how it's best used (most likely on sending them to 3-4 conferences per year), they use it for tickets. Take away athletics, and that money goes away with it...

 

[jhwutx]

If I am not mistaken, I think that the Athletic Dept makes "donations" to the University at times....maybe in the last couple of years, I read about the Athletic Dept. "donating" 2.5mil to the general university fund?

 

[Gontex]

He pointed out during the interview that his contract was not paid with state funds. That's was just before he told the guy that the university basketball program returned $12 million to the state. He told the activist to get his facts straight and he would be glad to talk to him outside.

 

[blonthang]

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[IndyHorn]

Jim Calhoun is a seriously large human being. He is as tall as Bob Knight, and far more in shape. I'd wet myself were I the reporter he wanted to talk with outside. The line of questioning was out-of-line, or at least a stealth attack in a post-game press conference. The guy could have called him to set up and interview. But given Calhoun's responses, I think there was some history there. Both guy's points of views are accurate. Calhoun IS the highest paid worker for the state of Connecticut, and Calhoun does bring in 12 million a year for his university. Cut the melon how ever you will.