This story of UConn coach Jim Calhoun having a blow-up at a press conference just won't die. It is not like Calhoun has never lost his temper at a press conference, yelled and even cursed at reporters. Yet, because this one touched on salary and state budget issues in Connecticut, everyone seems to feel it is time to jump in there.
First it was the governor of Connecticut calling it "embarrassing." Now a couple politicians want to go further and have Calhoun reprimanded by the university.
The leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly's higher education committee, Sen. Mary Ann Handley and Rep. Roberta Willis sent a letter to the president of the University of Connecticut (PDF) that they happily made public.
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.
Their complaint is that he needs to be a better role model and representative of the University of Connecticut and the state. They do not seem to have a problem with his salary (a wise decision considering the overall popularity of Calhoun in the state).
Apparently Calhoun behaving poorly at a press conference is new to them. That or they just have never thought to make a political grandstand play with it until now.
More Connecticut Lawmakers Want Attention From Calhoun's Blow-Up originally appeared on NCAA Basketball FanHouse on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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