Jim Calhoun is told off by Connecticut's governor

February 25, 1:11 PMSports ExaminerPaula Duffy

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     Coach Calhoun in action with the Huskies

In the course of writing about Pete Carroll earning the most money of anyone in the United States employed by a private university ($4.4 million), I mentioned Jim Calhoun and his salary.

The University of Connecticut basketball coach got into a bit of a dust-up at a press conference with a reporter. See the video below for the full extent of his remarks.

Calhoun, who makes approximately $1.6 million per year is reported to be the highest paid state employee. He was asked if he was embarrassed by how much he made in light of Connecticut's budget deficit that is said to approach $1 billion.

He was defiant in the face of a guy trying to make him feel guilty and finally told the reporter to "shut up".

The coach boldly said that not only wasn't he embarrassed but he wouldn't think of taking a penny less unless the state did something about its profligate spending.

Now the governor of Connecticut is taking exception to Calhoun's bravado and tone. Governor M. Jodi Rell said:

I think if coach Calhoun had the opportunity right now, he would welcome a do-over and not have that embarrassing display,

Calhoun declined the opportunity to comment on the remarks which means he took his own advice to that reporter: just shut up.

Pete Carroll makes four times more than USC's president

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