Post by DanMcQ on Jan 25, 2011 14:51:34 GMT -5
www.theday.com/article/20110125/SPORT07/301259947/1017
sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6057094
Robert G. Burton wants UConn to give him his $3 million back.
Burton gave the money to the University of Connecticut to build the Burton Family Football Complex in Storrs. Now, citing disagreements with the school's athletic director and a desire to be consulted about the new football coach, he wants that donation returned and his family's name taken off the facility altogether.
Burton informed UConn Athletic Director Jeff Hathaway of his intentions via a six-page letter dated Jan. 19, a copy of which was obtained by The Day.
Burton is the chairman, chief executive officer and managing member of Greenwich-based Burton Capital Management, LLC. He has given more than $7 million to the football program, including a "lead gift" of $2.5 million for construction of the football complex.
Burton also gave additional funds to pay for an audio system and artwork around the building, which includes coaches' offices, an academic resource center, locker room and dining hall.
"After we get our money back, you can take our name off the complex," wrote Burton, who also has a luxury box at Rentschler Field and who donated more than $1 million to endow two scholarships at the school.
Burton cited philosophical disagreements with Hathaway and his management style as reasons for his decision to end his involvement with UConn.
"The primary reason (former coach) Randy (Edsall) took another job is because he couldn't work with you," Burton wrote in the letter to Hathaway. "You are not qualified to be a Division I AD and I would have fired you a long time ago. You do not have the skills to manage and cultivate new donors."
Burton gave the money to the University of Connecticut to build the Burton Family Football Complex in Storrs. Now, citing disagreements with the school's athletic director and a desire to be consulted about the new football coach, he wants that donation returned and his family's name taken off the facility altogether.
Burton informed UConn Athletic Director Jeff Hathaway of his intentions via a six-page letter dated Jan. 19, a copy of which was obtained by The Day.
Burton is the chairman, chief executive officer and managing member of Greenwich-based Burton Capital Management, LLC. He has given more than $7 million to the football program, including a "lead gift" of $2.5 million for construction of the football complex.
Burton also gave additional funds to pay for an audio system and artwork around the building, which includes coaches' offices, an academic resource center, locker room and dining hall.
"After we get our money back, you can take our name off the complex," wrote Burton, who also has a luxury box at Rentschler Field and who donated more than $1 million to endow two scholarships at the school.
Burton cited philosophical disagreements with Hathaway and his management style as reasons for his decision to end his involvement with UConn.
"The primary reason (former coach) Randy (Edsall) took another job is because he couldn't work with you," Burton wrote in the letter to Hathaway. "You are not qualified to be a Division I AD and I would have fired you a long time ago. You do not have the skills to manage and cultivate new donors."
sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6057094
