Sporting News and Events

After the men’s basketball team of University of Connecticut defeated the South Florida team, a press conference was organized where the Coach Jim Calhoun was questioned by Ken Krayeske a free-lance journalist about his salary of $1.6 million. He was asked if he could give some of his salary back. Taken by surprise Mr. Calhoun responded with disdain and anger. As the university had chosen participation in basketball Division 1 they needed the best coach and accordingly had to fix the pay, as a result of these circumstances he became the highest-paid employee of the state.

As far as the relationship is concerned over the years, the state and Mr. Calhoun both have more than fulfilled their responsibilities. His team has really proved him and has twice bagged national championship. Whilst it might not be the NBA, there is still plenty of money involved in College Basketball, and especially the popular UConn team. The UConn has been a very strong contestant in other matches as well and all his programs earn more than they spend including increase in the applications of prospective admissions. Mr. Calhoun has contributed generously at UConn’s Medical School and various Charities generously.

But being an employee of the state, where the economic situation is very critical due to the deep recession. The deficit of the state budget for the coming two years is expected to cross $8 billion, therefore there is going to be layoffs, pay freezes etc., and there is a general consensus that the strain should be shared by well paid employees.

A good example was set by Michael J. Hogan the University President, by refusing a bonus of $100,000, so the same is expected from other coaches with high-profile and Mr. Calhoun.