Coors Billboard Featuring Husky Mascot Sparks Controversy
By Ari Mason ••
Three controversial billboards on I-84 and I-91 near Hartford that used the UConn Husky to advertise Coors Beer have been taken down with school officials acknowledging that the signs sent the wrong message.
The UConn Husky mascot has found its way onto billboards advertising alcohol, and university officials say they're sending the wrong message.
Billboards for Coors have cropped up along Interstates 84 and 91 in the Hartford area, featuring a large photo of a Coors Light bottle alongside the Husky mascot printed on the image of a football. “Huskies Love the Cold” is written across the advertisement in large letters.
Some of the advertisements have already been removed, and others are on their way out, according to university officials.
UConn Athletic Director Warde Manuel said in a statement Wednesday that IMG Sports, which holds the marketing rights for UConn athletics, has a sponsorship contract with Coors that allows the company to use UConn trademarks.
Manuel said UConn has not received direct funding from Coors and does not have a direct partnership with the brewing company.
“Over the past week, the University has been working with IMG to facilitate the removal of the Coors billboards. As of today, the advertisement has been taken off the electronic billboards where it appeared, and IMG is working to remove the ad from static billboards,” Manuel said in the statement.
“UConn does not condone irresponsible drinking and will continue to work within the University community and with external partners to promote safe and healthy living habits,” he added.
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: DeAndre Daniels #2 of the Connecticut Huskies holds up the trophy after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: The Connecticut Huskies celebrate after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies holds up the trophy after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
UConn Shabazz Napier thanks fans after the Huskies' national championship win at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Monday night.
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: The Connecticut Huskies celebrate after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
UConn Thanks 2
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Shabazz Napier #13 and Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrate after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
UConn The giant Jumbotron at AT&T Stadium shines brightly to show the UConn Huskies were crowned national champions on Monday night.
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies cuts the net after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
UConn Thanks
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Head coach Kevin Ollie of the Connecticut Huskies cuts down the net after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: DeAndre Daniels #2 of the Connecticut Huskies cuts the net after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies cuts the net after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: The Connecticut Huskies celebrate after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Terrence Samuel #3 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates with teammates after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates on the court after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Confetti falls after the Connecticut Huskies defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates on the court after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Connecticut Huskies fans celebrate with the mascot on the court after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: The Connecticut Huskies celebrate after defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 60-54 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies goes to the basket as Andrew Harrison #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats defends during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Niels Giffey #5 of the Connecticut Huskies goes up for a basket as James Young #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats defends during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies and Julius Randle #30 of the Kentucky Wildcats battle for a loose ball during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies goes to the basket as Andrew Harrison #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats defends during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies falls to the ground during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: The Connecticut Huskies bench reacts during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Dakari Johnson #44 of the Kentucky Wildcats takes a shot as Amida Brimah #35 of the Connecticut Huskies defends during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Aaron Harrison #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats defends against Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies drives to the basket against Andrew Harrison #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies brings the ball up the floor against the Kentucky Wildcats during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: The Connecticut Huskies huddle before the start of the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Connecticut forward DeAndre Daniels dunks the ball in front of Kentucky center Dakari Johnson, right, during the first half of the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball championship game Monday, April 7, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: DeAndre Daniels #2 of the Connecticut Huskies goes to the basket over Dakari Johnson #44 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: The Connecticut Huskies huddle before the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Head coach Kevin Ollie of the Connecticut Huskies calls to his players during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Lasan Kromah #20 of the Connecticut Huskies and Alex Poythress #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats battle for a rebound during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Head coach Kevin Ollie of the Connecticut Huskies motions to his players during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Head coach Kevin Ollie of the Connecticut Huskies calls to his players during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 07: Julius Randle #30 of the Kentucky Wildcats and Phillip Nolan #0 of the Connecticut Huskies jump for the opening tip during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at AT&T Stadium on April 7, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates after defeating the Florida Gators 63-53 in the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: Niels Giffey #5 of the Connecticut Huskies dunks against the Florida Gators during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: Niels Giffey #5 of the Connecticut Huskies dunks against the Florida Gators during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Steppig-Pool/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies drives to the basket as Kasey Hill #0 of the Florida Gators during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: Niels Giffey #5 of the Connecticut Huskies dunks against the Florida Gators during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Steppig-Pool/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies goes to the basket as Patric Young #4 of the Florida Gators defends during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: DeAndre Daniels #2 of the Connecticut Huskies goes up for a shot against the Florida Gators during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Steppig-Pool/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies goes to the basket as Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Florida Gators defends during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies goes to the basket as Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Florida Gators defends during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Steppig-Pool/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: Phillip Nolan #0 of the Connecticut Huskies goes up for a shot as Casey Prather #24 of the Florida Gators defends during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Steppig-Pool/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 05: Lasan Kromah #20 of the Connecticut Huskies goes to the basket against the Florida Gators during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at AT&T Stadium on April 5, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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Connecticut's Shabazz Napier (13) celebrates after his team defeated Michigan State 60-54 in a regional final at the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 30, 2014, in New York. Napier scored 17 points of his 25 points in the second half.
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Connecticut's Shabazz Napier, right, moves the ball around Michigan State's Travis Trice in the first half of a regional final at the NCAA college basketball tournament on Sunday, March 30, 2014, in New York.
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Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo, top right, talks to his team during the first half in a regional semifinal at the NCAA college basketball tournament against Connecticut, Sunday, March 30, 2014, in New York.
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Connecticut's Ryan Boatright, left, scores as Michigan State's Gary Harris (14) approaches in the second half of a regional final at the NCAA college basketball tournament on Sunday, March 30, 2014, in New York.
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Michigan State forward Adreian Payne (5) and Connecticut forward Phillip Nolan (0) go up for the tip-off as Michigan State's Gary Harris, top left, and Connecticut's Keith Appling (11) look on during the first half in a regional semifinal at the NCAA college basketball tournament on Sunday, March 30, 2014, in New York.
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Huskies goes up for a shot against the Villanova Wildcats during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the First Niagara Center on March 22, 2014 in Buffalo, New York.
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Terrence Samuel #3 of the Connecticut Huskies collides with JayVaughn Pinkston #22 of the Villanova Wildcats during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the First Niagara Center on March 22, 2014 in Buffalo, New York.
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Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies handles the ball as JayVaughn Pinkston #22 of the Villanova Wildcats defends during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the First Niagara Center on March 22, 2014 in Buffalo, New York.
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A Connecticut Huskies band member plays during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Villanova Wildcats at the First Niagara Center on March 22, 2014 in Buffalo, New York.
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BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 22: Ryan Arcidiacono #15 of the Villanova Wildcats drives to the basket as Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies defends during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the First Niagara Center on March 22, 2014 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 22: Ryan Boatright #11 of the Connecticut Huskies calls a play against the Villanova Wildcats during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the First Niagara Center on March 22, 2014 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
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Terrence Samuel #3 celebrates with Amida Brimah #35 of the Connecticut Huskies against the Villanova Wildcats during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the First Niagara Center on March 22, 2014 in Buffalo, New York.
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Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies falls as Josh Hart #3 and Ryan Arcidiacono #15 of the Villanova Wildcats defend during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the First Niagara Center on March 22, 2014 in Buffalo, New York.
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BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 22: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies takes a shot as James Bell #32 and Josh Hart #3 of the Villanova Wildcats defend during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the First Niagara Center on March 22, 2014 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 22: Phillip Nolan #0 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts on the bench during the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Villanova Wildcats at the First Niagara Center on March 22, 2014 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
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Connecticut's Terrence Samuel (3) joins teammates Niels Giffey (5) and Phillip Nolan (0) as he cheers during overtime of a second-round game against Saint Joseph's in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014. Connecticut won 89-81.
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Connecticut's DeAndre Daniels hugs Shabazz Napier, front, after Napier scored after a foul during overtime of a second-round game against Saint Joseph's in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014. Connecticut won 89-81.
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Connecticut's Shabazz Napier (13) drives past Saint Joseph's Ronald Roberts, Jr. (13) during the second half of a second-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014.
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Saint Joseph's Halil Kanacevic (45) shoots over Connecticut's Amida Brimah (35) during the second half of a second-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014.
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Saint Joseph's DeAndre Bembry (43) and Connecticut's Shabazz Napier, right, fight for control of the ball during the first half of a second-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014.
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Connecticut head coach Kevin Ollie reacts to a call during the first half of a second-round game against Saint Joseph's in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014.
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Connecticut's mascot poses during the first half of a second-round game against Saint Joseph's in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014.
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Connecticut's Shabazz Napier drives to the basket during the second half of a second-round game against Saint Joseph's in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Saint Joseph's Halil Kanacevic (45) rebounds the ball in front of Connecticut's Amida Brimah during the first half of a second-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014.
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Saint Joseph's 's Halil Kanacevic, center, joins his teammates on the bench as they watch the game against Connecticut during overtime of a second-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014. Connecticut won 89-81.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Connecticut's Amidah Brimah (35) grabs Shabazz Napier (13) after his basket alongside their Huskies mascot during overtime of a second-round game against Saint Joseph's in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, March 20, 2014. Connecticut won the game 89-81.
University President Susan Herbst and UConn Board of Trustees Chairman Lawrence McHugh echoed Manuel’s words in a joint statement Wednesday.
“Whatever the intention was, we believe that this billboard sent the wrong message and are pleased that it has been taken down,” they said. “Adults are free to drink responsibly, but UConn cannot appear to endorse drinking among our students, particularly if they are under 21.”
