Coach Calhoun Responds to “Misinterpreted” Tirade

For the first time since UConn coach Jim Calhoun's fiery comments, the Hall of Fame coach is talking.  Sorta.

In a statement released Thursday night, Calhoun said:  "It has become clear that my comments have been misinterpreted by some as being insensitive to the current economic climate that those of us around our country and here in Connecticut are all facing."

On Saturday, Calhoun angrily fired back at a blogger/activist for asking about his salary and whether the state's highest paid employee was willing to give some of it back.

"Not a dime back, not a dime back. I'd like to retire someday, I'm getting tired," Calhoun said during the press conference.

Regardless of his latest statements, some lawmakers are asking for the coach to be reprimanded.

"Whether it's an apology or action by the university, to basically somebody say that this is not acceptable," said State Rep. Roberta Willis, D-Cornwall.

But the UConn community is standing behind its basketball coach.

"His salary reflects a fair-market value and his teams generate considerable resources for our Division of Athletics," said UConn President Michael Hogan.

Hogan also agrees with Coach Calhoun. He thinks the reporter could have used a more appropriate and less provocative setting for his question.

But even Calhoun, realizes his outburst may have been taken the wrong way. He realizes his responsibility as a coach.

"I look forward to continuing with the same amount of passion and commitment to assist people and causes that are important to me and my family," said Calhoun.

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