Jim Calhoun's behavior in this clip is awful but masks an uglier truth that can be seen only upon further inspection. That Jim Calhoun doesn't want to give any of his salary back despite the condition of Connecticut's state budget is only moderately offensive. I don't know of a single person who has voluntarily paid more in federal income taxes to help address the glaring deficits that the federal government is running. Calhoun could show less greed and more generosity, but so could we all.
This exchange is more offensive because it highlights the most offensive aspects of revenue generating collegiate athletics. Jim Calhoun first bristles and retorts that he wont return a single dime. (Greed? Check) Calhoun is then moderately offended that the reporter in question thinks he only makes $1.5 million and advises the reporter to "Shut up." (Arrogance? Check) Heres where things get really ugly. Calhoun asks what the take for ticket sales was that evening and launches in to a tirade while providing a neat little fact: UCONN's Mens basketball team turns over $12 million to the state run university every year (this blogger has since learned that the $12 million in question is gross revenue and not profit for the University and the actual total is much lower owing to basketball related expenses.) A now shouting Calhoun tells the reporter to "get some facts" (Calhoun's salary figure is, in fact, a fact.)
Calhoun may take credit for the money generated by basketball for the University only if he also takes credit for the unjust system of collegiate athletics in place. You see, I am under the impression that Hasheem Thabeet and the rest of the UCONN mens basketball team is more responsible for that revenue than the arrogant Calhoun. You can say that the players are being compensated with scholarships to a fine institution of higher learning, however graduation rates at top football and basketball schools are notoriously low and I fear that were the players given the choice, they would overwhelmingly choose monetary compensation. One can always return to college, just ask Troy Aikmen. Alternatively athletic careers, while lucrative at the highest levels, are risky and short lived. At any moment Blake Griffin might blow out a knee and cost himself millions of dollars yet Oklahoma will have its take on ticket sales. Revenue generating collegiate athletic programs should be disbanded in favor of professional developmental leagues.
