If I had millions of dollars to donate, I wouldn't donate them to the football program at the university I attended, or any of the schools near where I live. But people are entitled to whatever cause moves them. It's their money.
Robert Burton, a fan of Connecticut, says he's donated $7 million to the Huskies. But when Connecticut hired a football coach, it did not consult with him. Burton was offended, and he asked the school to return $3 million in donations and remove his family's name from the football complex. He had given $2.5 million to help build the complex.
Schools have an obligation to treat their fans well. Ask North Carolina's Roy Williams. But schools are not obligated to seek the input of fans, not even millionare fans, when making hires.
If the Carolina Panthers had asked fans to help them hire a coach, the fans would have selected a celebrity such as Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden or Jim Harbaugh.
Burton has a football background. He played college football at Murray State and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. Two of his sons played college football.
Connecticut could justify keeping him appraised of the coaching search. But to let him play an active role would be foolish.
Big-buck boosters need to know their role. Get great seats. Get a luxury box. Get access.
And get out of the way.
Word. I know right?
Posted by: DooWayne | January 26, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Tom it is you who should know your role. You are a hack. You only put enough effort into a story to get by. You refuse to ask REAL questions, and kiss the ring of every high profile person you come into contact with. Retire, quit, find work that is more suited to you. We need reporters, not yes men.
Posted by: F TOM | January 26, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Yeah, leave decisions to the people who picked Jimmy Clausen, Armanti Edwards, and Everette Brown.
Posted by: Musicmax | January 26, 2011 at 10:02 AM
tom is right.....
Posted by: pete seward | January 26, 2011 at 10:09 AM
A person who has $7MM to throw away on college football doesn't have a "get out of the way" disposition. They made their nut by being all up in the way.
Posted by: name | January 26, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Sorenson assumes that Conn. did not seek the advice of other boosters. Is that correct? If I had given $7 million and others were consulted but not me, and I was interested in having my voice heard, I would ask for the money back also.
Posted by: dardjohn | January 26, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Tom you are such a bad columnist it's mind blogging that you are still employed. If you would have done your homework on this story you would have uncovered that the booster didn't ask to be involved in making the decision but simply keeping him in the loop throughout the process. He's more upset with the UCONN AD more than anyone else. Apparently this guy and the AD have some background and this was the final straw. I'm sorry but if I just put up $3 million for a football program I would like to feel appreciated and in the loop. That would be my place Tom...but you wouldn't know that because you have no idea what you are talking about. I read the true story on ESPN where they have their facts straight unlike you who is a ridiculous column writer. Time to retire Tom, your insight keeps getting worse. I hope someone realizes this soon.
Posted by: Tom | January 26, 2011 at 12:31 PM
When some people get rich, they get an inflated opinion of themselves and their importance. Ask anyone who has known Jerry Richardson for fifty years.
Posted by: Ben | January 26, 2011 at 01:07 PM
Writing a check doesn't buy you access to the loop. If you in the loop go get hired. If you want to donate so everyone can see how wealthy you are then do it and shut up.
Posted by: John | January 26, 2011 at 06:46 PM