UConn donor from Greenwich demands return of $3M donation to football program

[The Straight Story]

A Greenwich resident and major donor to the University of Connecticut football program is demanding the return of $3 million in donations and the removal of his name from a campus building because he wasn't consulted when the school hired Paul Pasqualoni as its new football coach.

Robert Burton, chief executive of Stamford-based Cenveo, told UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway that the UConn search committee's failure to consult Burton in the hiring process was a "slap in the face and embarrassment to my family."

Burton said in a four-page letter obtained Tuesday by Hearst Connecticut newspapers that he wants his name taken off the Burton Family Football Complex and his money returned. He says Hathaway is in for a legal fight if he doesn't comply.

"Don't underestimate me or what I have outlined or requested in this document," Burton says. "I have already secured legal counsel from several law firms. If you are looking for a fight, then you have selected the right family."


http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/UConn-donor-from-Greenwich-demands-return-of-3M-975848.php

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. So his money wasn't really a gift. What an asshole.

of course, I don't all the details - but I still think he's being an asshole.

[blondeatlast]

6. I didn't care for that sweater you bought with the gift card I bought you.

Please remove me as a Facebook friend and give me $50 in cash ASAP.

(Yep--that's precisely what I was thinking).

[damntexdem]

17. Of course not! It was a bribe. Actually, it was buying any integrity UCONN might have had.

Although finding integrity in a college football program might be difficult, even for purposes of selling it to the highest bidder.

;-)

Actually, I hope he loses millions more by taking this to court and through appeals, losing at each step.

[virgogal]

2. I couldn't even finish the article----this man's arrogance astonishes me.

[Joanne98]

What an asshole.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

3. too much money, not enough brains

[Sonoman]

4. Think Citizens United.

Gonna work pretty much the same way.

Sonoman

[Kweli4Real]

19. You got that right

[Dawson Leery]

5. 3 million dollars for what amounts in summation: a recreational activity.

:eyes:

[AngryAmish]

16. Same could be said of funding a chair in the Literature Department

[Dawson Leery]

25. Intellectual stimulation vs. throwing a ball.

No comparison.

[madinmaryland]

26. I can't believe that someone here would post something like that.

Sounds like something you would here at freeperville.

:wtf:

[Lasher]

7. Does he know UConn doesn't have a team you can buy like the professional ones?

Guess not.

[Earth_First]

8. Boo,Fu*king,Hoo,

If I were UCONN, I'd deliver the cash in unbanded 100's (briefcase style) on an windy day and open it to confirm it's contents...

OOPS!

[woodsprite]

9. Unless it was specified at the time of the gift that he

got a say in hiring decisions, etc. I think the University will win if they decide to fight it. Most schools have a 'large gift' process that donors over 100K have to go through where the specifics are spec'd out by the gift office and a legal team. Once that letter is signed by the donor and acknowledged by the school, it's a done deal.

Hmmmm, I bet Mr. Burton got a tax break for his donation. If UConn does give the money back, I hope they report that refund to the IRS, cause the Burton family will owe taxes on the returned amount. (however, if it was deemed that he received actual 'value' for the donation, he may not have received a tax break on the whole donation amount.)

Arrogant assholes really tick me off, and it seems the more money people have, the more often they fall into that category.

[ceile]

10. I don't see where he has any voting rights or input.

Is he on the board of directors? Is he faculty? No? Then STFU you cry baby. The school will use your money as they see fit.

[woodsprite]

12. It depends if he specified restricted funds or unrestricted.

Unless he wrote specific restrictions into the donation contract (shame on UConn if they didn't have one for that large of a donation), then they're free to use it as they see fit, even if he said it was to go to the football team. You can be as picky-assed as you can get as long as it's in writing. Also, there would also be the issue of actually proving it was HIS $3M that was used.

[Johonny]

11. take his name off, keep the money

[Dappleganger]

13. Ah, rich people and their money.

"I'm entitled!!!"

[gratuitous]

14. Is it possible to embarrass Robert Burton's family?

Give the baby back his bottle, and take his name off the complex. Then solicit funds from various and sundry alums, re-name the football complex the Husky Proud Alumni Center, and put a plaque on it with a caricature of a squalling baby in a full diaper and the caption "Formerly the Burton Family Football Complex."

[Dorian Gray]

15. He's worries about THAT

embarrassing his family?

I think he's already taken care of it, myself.

[aikoaiko]

18. Name off the bulding -- no problem because that can resold. `

Return the three million. Good luck with that.

[Old and In the Way]

20. Could be he needs that money now.

Know nothing of Mr. Burton's financials, but perhaps he's got a sudden need for cash and he thinks making a public case to embarrass UConn is the quickest way to get his hands on it. If it's as petty as not being consulted on the coach hiring, he's still sounds like a jerk who didn't get his way.

[Brother Buzz]

23. Could be, he has a personal axe to grind with the new coach

His son, Joe, played for Paul Pasqualoni at Syracuse from 1997 to 2001. It's possible he felt his son sat on the bench too much.

[Old and In the Way]

24. ahhhh, a much better explanation.

Yes, I can see where that might a factor...

[dems_rightnow]

21. His Company's "Contact Us" link-

http://www.cenveo.com/contact-us.htm

Offer up your support. Or whatever.

[KatyaR]

22. I freakin' HATE college sports, ESPECIALLY football.

My alma mater has all but sold itself to asshat Boone Pickens. I don't know why they don't change the name to Boone Pickens University; I'm sure that'll happen in another couple of years. I'll never set foot on that campus again, and my years there are some of my very fondest memories.

It's all about the money--who cares about getting a stupid education these days? :grr: