The University of Connecticut says the guy who "demanded" the return of his US$3 million because he was not consulted in the hiring of new UConn football coach Paul Pasqualoni has agreed to let the school keep the money.
UConn Board of Trustees Chairman Larry McHugh says in a news release that the university and Robert Burton agreed to move past their differences after senior university officials met with the donor and his family.
WTNH-TV's Bob Wilson has a look at the original furor...
But Burton is now quoted in a university release as saying he decided not to let one experience change his longstanding relationship with the university.
Makes you wonder what the deal behind the door was...
Burton swears he just wanted to be in the loop, that he didn't want "Veto Power" over the decision. Hathaway told him about it, but not until the hire had been made.
Burton says he's also canceling his luxury suite at the football stadium and other contributions he makes to the schools teams as well.
While this is pretty funny on one level. It's kind of scary on the other. Are there really that many strings attached to donations these days. If boosters want a say on a coaching hire, something done already in many places, then why have an Athletic Director?
No, I'm not stupid and fully realize the "Big Business" that NCAA sports are require lots of donations and fundraising. And no, I'm not naive enough to think there aren't strings attached. It is just disappointing that whiny bitches like Robert Burton can decide that if he's not treated as the all knowing, he'll just grab his pail and move on to another sandbox.
For those who didn't see it, here's the Paul Pasqualoni Presser from January 14th. Sorry the audio ain't great:
