Politics, Sports, and the Economy

I am writing this blog regarding a story that broke in the media around February 27 of this year. Jim Calhoun, the men's basketball coach at the University of Conneticut was recently asked if he felt that due to the size of the state budget, if he should consider a pay cut or giving some of his salary back to the state. It should be noted that Calhoun is the highest paid state employee. David Zirin believes, " this is a time where the belts need to be tighten across the board." He states that the Conn. Governer is taking furlows to save a few cents on the margins of the state budget, Calhoun should also do his part. Fox news analysis, Juan Williams, feels that Calhoun should keep his money due to the level of success and income brought into Uconn by Calhoun's consistently national champion contending team. A debate between Williams and Zirin can be seen here, http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3940603 . Lets look at the numbers.

Calhoun makes $1.6 million per season coaching the UConn Huskies men's basketball team. Last year the team brought in $12 million dollars "to the University", Cahoun says goes back to the college. However, Zirin is quick to point out that although Calhoun's team does generate that income, that money stays solely within the athletic dept. and does not help to aid with proffessor salaries, financial aid to students, or other collegiate necessities. The question then remains, does the outcome of winning a few basketball games justify paying a state employee $1.6 million per year?

Another aspect of this controversie is the arrogance Calhoun exhibited during the press conference in which his rant took place. He is heard telling the reporter, "the best thing you can do right now is shut up." He also states, "not a dime back", when asked about his salary and the impending state debt and mortgage crisis. the entire thing can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xokthY5zuPU.

Do our athletes and coaches make too much money? The question is all over the media and the internet, yet policy makers and government seem to do little if anything about it. In addition, although some athletic franchises are seeing dips in attendance, top teams still are selling out stadiums nationwide. Is it hypocritical that we complain about their salaries, yet spend big money at the box office to aid and abet in the paying of their wages? I think it all comes down to values within American culture. When our President takes time out of his schedule to discuss the situation within Collegiate football and a tournament system, or to address the nation during a superbowl pregame show, it is obvious where our cultural interest lie. We are a nation, like it or not, obessed with athletics and entertainment. And until the turnstiles stop spinning and the tickets stop selling, i expect to see no changes in the salaries made and the contracts signed.