Connecticut: Tell Robert Burton There's A No Return Policy

Have you heard the one about the booster wanting his money back? Oh my God, it's a classic.


Robert Burton's name is imprinted on the Connecticut football team's training complex. Years back, he donated $2.5M to build the facility. Now he wants his money back.


This cat is unhappy with the school's hiring of former Cuse coach Paul Pasqualoni to replace Randy Edsall after he jet Storrs for College Park, literally.


“We want our money and respect back,” Burton wrote in his letter to Jeff Hathaway, UConn's Athletic Director.


Well, Bob, you can have your money back. But your respect is non-refundable.


I am sure all of your contributions were well appreciated in Storrs. And I am very confident you feel very responsible for the emergence of Connecticut football  into national relevance over the past decade, too. After all, all the checks are signed with your name.


It's not like Edsall deserves any credit for anything.


Every school needs a Burton, at least money-wise. Even if the UConn program doesn't parallel those of Texas or Florida or Southern Cal, even the most minute versions of Phil Knight can pay dividends. But I don't recall Knight having the final say on the Chip Kelly hire when Oregon was looking for a head coach two years ago.


So if the most recognized booster in the game today isn't choosing coaches, what makes you think you have the right to? Former Terp and Under Armour C.E.O. Kevin Plank was likely campaigning for his friend Mike Leach to take over Maryland football, but A.D. Kevin Anderson opted for your boy Edsall. Did Plank go and take away the team's uniforms?


But you went ahead and took the low road, an illustration of your character. 


Take away the player's scholarships. Refuse to advertise with the program. Stop helping the business school; send your managers elsewhere. 


And while your at it, say goodbye to your luxury box. It's better off empty than with you sipping Mike's Hards on Saturdays.


You're upset because you were not consulted for the head coaching hire. Get over it. You are not an expect, despite what you think. I understand you were drafted by the N.F.L.. But if you haven't noticed, they no longer have 19 rounds; it's for a reason, Bob. 


Pasqualoni hasn't coached a down in Rentschler Field and already you're disgruntled. One of your kids played for the guy at Syracuse, and your other is a former Huskie. Congratulations, now your own sons probably think you're a jerk.


As you keep waiting for your $3M check in the mail, consider this: you have given over $7M to Connecticut. Knight had a new basketball court built for his school a few weeks ago...it cost $220 more than your donations. 


Being a booster does not automatically incorporate you into the school's brain trust. It simply means you are supporting the school, offering them financial assistance for them to succeed. 


You're not even a UConn grad; you went to Murray State. So why don't you bring your checkbook there. I hear their looking for someone to fill their booster, head coach and athletic director jobs. You sound like the guy for the job.




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Twitter: @samspiegs