Two Connecticut lawmakers think UConn Coach Jim Calhoun should be put in his place. And it might be in the corner.
The leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly's higher education committee want him reprimanded for his tirade at a freelance journalist who questioned his $1.6 million salary last week.
Sen. Mary Ann Handley and Rep. Roberta Willis wrote Thursday to UConn President Michael Hogan. Their letter said Calhoun's outburst on Saturday makes him look bad and makes the state's flagship university look bad.
Much of the discussion thus far of this incident has focused on Mr. Calhoun’s financial benefits to the university. We feel this misses a critical element—that he stands as an example for the students. We know that Coach Calhoun demands high standards of conduct from his team, and we expect the same from him.
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 two write that he is a role model and his behavior should match. You can read the entire letter below.
Dear President Hogan:
We are writing to express our disappointment in Coach Jim Calhoun’s behavior during the recent press conference. Jim Calhoun’s emotional outburst does not reflect well on him as an individual or on our flagship academic institution; of which the citizens of this state are enormously proud. Coach Calhoun needs to be reminded that he is a role model for many athletes and students, and that his behavior should reflect this position.
Much of the discussion thus far of this incident has focused on Mr. Calhoun’s financial benefits to the university. We feel this misses a critical element—that he stands as an example for the students. We know that Coach Calhoun demands high standards of conduct from his team, and we expect the same from him.
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.
We are proud of the achievements of Coach Calhoun and of our athletes, and we recognize that their hard work has brought much recognition to the university. The team as a whole has helped the university attract the best and the brightest students from not only Connecticut, but from across the country. With the rise to prominence of UCONN sports, the University’s standing and reputation has improved significantly, and the school has been able to raise much needed funding. However, with increased success and recognition comes increased responsibility. UCONN athletes and coaches are representatives of the University. They are the face of UCONN to the nation and we must demand that they meet the highest standards of conduct for its staff, faculty and students.
The goal of any institution of learning should not only be to produce educated and responsible citizens, but to also encourage an examined value system and a personal code of ethics and respect. Coach Calhoun’s actions were not in keeping with the high ethical standards that we expect from a representative of the University of Connecticut.
Sincerely,
Roberta Willis Mary Ann Handley
State Representative State Senator
