Survey Says: Keep the Money Calhoun

Majority of Connecticut residents are OK with Calhoun's salary.

Keep your money coach, you've earned it.

Three out of five Connecticut residents believe UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun should keep his entire salary instead of donating a portion to help ease the state's budget problems, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll.

The poll was conducted after Calhoun's post-game press conference run-in with a freelance reporter who questioned how much money the coach makes. During the heated exchange,  Calhoun lost his temper and told the reporter to "shut up!"

The poll also showed that 80 percent of responders said Calhoun should not be punished for the way he answered the question.

“Despite the negative headlines about Jim Calhoun’s response to a political activist/blogger’s question about his salary, Calhoun remains very popular,” Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz said.

Calhoun has a 68 percent favorability rating overall and an 86 percent favorability rating among UCONN men’s basketball fans.

“These are numbers many politicians would love to have,” Schwartz said. “On the specific issue of how Calhoun handled the question, those aware of the controversy side with Calhoun, but not in overwhelming numbers. Do Connecticut residents think Calhoun is overpaid? Many do, but slightly more think he is paid about right.”

The poll surveyed 1,335 people and has a 2.7 percent margin of error. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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