In an earlier post we discussed the responsibility of a football coach in the death of a student-athlete. This past week a college basketball coach erupted over a reporters comments about his salary. Click on the following links to view the story (video and story). Beyond Coach Calhoun's tirade, think about his responsibility and obligation in representing the campus community and the state of Connecticut. If needed, go back to your notes. How important is it for Jim Calhoun to represent his University professionally? If he is a moral role-model, what are the implications of his actions? Try to capture previous class notes and discussion in your response.
I think that it is extremely important for Calhoun to represent the University of Conneticut professionally. If you are asked about your salary, you should give a just answer, such as, "I do not want to discuss what the University of Conneticut pays me at this time" like a normal person would say. There is no need to go on a tirade, making yourself and the entire University look foolish. Calhoun has become the face of this university over the years and I think that many look up to him as a role model. Because of this, it has become his responsibility to be professional at all times and show class because he is always representing the University of Conneticut. Any actions that he takes can be seen as representing the actions that this university is taking. Tirades such as this are unacceptable and somebody needs to sit down and discuss with him the implications of his every action.
ReplyDeleteAs a moral role model of being a university coach, it is very important to act professionally in any manner that comes up, even if it is personal. Jim Calhoun's tirade was completely unncessary and could have easily been handled and answered differently. His moral action was not doing the "good" in presenting good character. It his duty to represent the school professionally, and his actions reflects the University of Connecticut as a whole. Im sure he knows very well that any little risky thing he says or does, especially to the media, can result in the University firing him very easily. His moral character could easily be viewed negatively with any little mistake like that.
ReplyDeleteIt is important for Jim Calhoun to represent his community and the university in a professional manner. He is ever increasing in media attention since UConn men's basketball is getting back to it's dominance of years past. His moral action in this case was not the best to choose at that time and it most definitely will impact others negatively, maybe recruits, maybe supporters in or out of the immediate community. If he is considered to be a moral role model he is telling his players or those in his community that it is okay to lose your cool and to rudely shoot down someone that asks you a personal question. I am not trying to make excuses, but Jim Calhoun is cut from another cloth just like Bob Knight and other coaches who come from a different time period. Sometimes, if you ask a question about a man's salary that is asking for trouble, though as it was stated in the story it was a legitimate question posed by the reporter. Also, I don't know if that press conference was held after a game and if UConn won that game or not, but plenty of coaches have lost their cool after a game in a press conference i.e. Jim Mora and the list goes on. I believe that at times it is hard for players and coaches to turn the switch off after a game or a practice. Anyways, Jim Calhoun I think got a little bothered by the reporters pestering and got caught up in the emotion and didn't really enact his moral knowing into moral doing. In his statement after the tirade he really shows moral character in his concern for the community and others. His actions most definitely will affect others probably those that do not know him that well, yet, he is a representative of the University and must be set accountable to better represent what values the university holds in high regards.
ReplyDeleteCalhoun is at fault, and the media is as well. Responsibility is part of moral character, and I'm sure that part of Calhoun's agreement or contract with the University of Connecticut (and therefore with the state too) is to be a responsible representative. The scary part of all this to me isn't that athletes will now see it acceptable to act that way, but all the high school and small college coaches who look up to Calhoun.
ReplyDeletethe incident was unfortunate and i can understand both sides. Calhoun does have a responsibility to present good moral character and present a way for the kids to act. i can understand Calhoun does feel like he was being bashed for his high salary, but there is always talk about how people in sport are being paid so much and there has never been too much opposition to it. therefore i believe calhoun was just standing up for himself and was presenting facts about his salary. i dont believe it was a regrettable instance, but one that should be learned from.
ReplyDeleteWhile I feel Calhoun was right in his objections to the poor question, I do feel he errored in his representation of the issue. As the face of the program and for many the only recognizable face of the University of Connecticut, he is a moral agent. He can set the standard not only for his players but for the students at the university as well. He has a duty to the school to represent them and the program well.
ReplyDeleteImplications was, he had to apologize for how he acted. He did set a bad example and I am guessing he will or has had a discussion of his paper with his athletes to cover over what had happened.
It is extremely important that Jim Calhoun represents the University of Connecticut professionally! During the entire year, and especially basketball season, coach Calhoun is a face of the University. He has a large impact on recruitment, student applications and alumni donations. I do not believe his actions were morally wrong so therefore will not have a negative impact on the University. He told it as it is. He brings a lot of money into the school and should be paid appropriately. He is like second on the list of NCAA tournament wins among current coaches. He earns his pay check.
ReplyDeleteCalhoun should represent the university professionally, people usually associate a school with their athletic programs. Especially UConn which is primarily known for their basketball program. His actions were over the top, he did not have to respond as negatively as he did, but I think he was justified to answer and be a little ticked off, he should not have to justify why the university pays him as much as they do. He could of toned it down a bit, and there are people that look at him as a role model, many of the students on the campus I am sure look at him as a model, and when they see him do that they might look down on him a little more.
ReplyDeleteI believe that in all situations, a coach especially, is expected to act professionally under all circumstances. Calhoun has a responsibility to the university to act in a professional matter. Yes I understand that the question that he got asked, was a little bit unnecessary, BUT he should not have responded in such a negative matter. There could have been many ways that he could have answered that question and still get his point across. Inside athletics, the coach is the major voice of the entire program. The way the coach acts, has a direct reflection of the Univeristy that hired him. They are seen as role models for the entire community, and to act in such unrational ways is not necessary.
ReplyDeleteCoaches and players do represent their school on and off the court, Coach Calhoun responded to a question that shouldn't have been asked to a coach during a Q&A about basketball. We are always told to take the high road or don't get on their level, Coach Calhoun got onto the reporters level when he went on that tirade. It is his responsibility as a role model (coach) to show those kids he coaches that when he is faced with a negative situation that he finds the positive and will overcome it. He also has a responsibility to create a positive image for the school, with his negative tirades it creates a negative image on the school and now he is in a recruiting scandal that is under investigation which also doesn't help the image of the school.
ReplyDeleteCoach Calhoun’s responsibilities as a coach are to recruit the blue chip prospects to the University of Connecticut, teach the basketball team the rules of the game, and to lead them to win. A basketball coach is supposed to direct the basketball staff, counsel the team members, provide leadership, and to represent the university and athletic department professionally. Calhoun’s salary is the discretion of the athletic department and the University of Connecticut. If they feel he deserves a salary over $1 million, then so be it. I think he overreacted during the interview, but I think the reporter approached Calhoun in an inappropriate manner and situation. It should have been done in a more intimate and less invasive manner and not during a post-game interview. Another thing, if Jim Calhoun is going to be paid an enormous amount of money, he needs to represent the university according to their principles. It was later reported after this incident that the University of Connecticut men’s basketball program profits just under $6.3 million. Obviously, Coach Calhoun is doing something right for the university.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important that Jim Calhoun represent the University of Connecticut professionally because he is one of the big faces there. His actions reflect on the university, both positively and negatively, and he must always take this into account. When he erupts like this in front of the media it is very inappropriate. The reporter's questions were probably not addressed in the best way and it is understandable that Calhoun would be upset over being attacked in this way, but he must remember his position at all times and especially in front of the media. He is a moral role model to his players, the students at the university, and the public. He must act accordingly and that means not allowing himself to behave in this way. He is a good coach and his program does bring in a good amount of revenue for the university. As a moral role model he must behave responsibly and respectfully at all times. When he is rash as he was during this press conference he shows all those that look up to him that it is alright to be rude to others when you are rightfully defending himself. It would have been better if he just told the reporter he would be glad to meet with him after to discuss this topic with him in private. I understand why he was upset and I know that many people would have reacted the exact same way, but when you have a position like his you do not get to put yourself and your own feelings first.
ReplyDeleteCalhoun is both a coach and face of the university so he needs to act professionally at all times. Especially when he is getting the type of salary he earns per year. He needs to know that his actions are going to reflect on not only him personally, but the university as well. He could affect a lot of different things through his actions. He could affect future recruiting, enrollment of students that base their decisions on sporting teams, among many others. Calhoun needs to be a role model and ambassador for the University of Connecticut. If he is the highest paid job in the state he should act like a man and not let little things sweat him. He needs to understand the position he is in and instead of negatively react to things he needs to figure out a way to turn it around and see the positives in his position and not try to justify why he is being paid what he is. He needs to show others that he is a great coach and role model for the university as well as for his players and fans.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important for Coach Calhoun to represent for his University in a very professional manner day-in and day-out. He is an important figure for the University and a prominent figure in the state of Connecticut. Everything he does in the press room or on the court is closely monitored so he constantly needs to watch his actions. He is a role model for his athletes so he needs to be respectful, show responsibility and lead his athletes at all times. No one knows yet if this outburst will have any effect on the University as a whole, but outbursts like that could cost future students and athletes to look elsewhere. Coach Calhoun does not want this negative attention to jeopardize future players not attending the University. Coach Calhoun needs to be careful how he behaves because he will always be watched like a hawk by others especially in this economic crisis and his big pay check.
ReplyDeleteCoach Calhoun does need to watch what he says. He acted very immature and could have just brushed off the comment. He could have handled this situation in a lot different manner. I am kind of disgusted at his out burst, talk about not being modest. I hope he talked with his athletes about this and told them in some manner that it was not ok for him to act that way and apologized to them. Also that they use it as a learning experience especially the ones that are probably going pro. I believe that this will only affect recruiting if Calhoun had to step down or take an early retirement because of this incident. I really do believe that most possible recruits would not even look at this for a reason to not go to UCONN. I do respect all of the charitable contributes that Calhoun has brought to UCONN and other organizations, but if you are looking for an implication, maybe some of these places would not want to associate with him or maybe sponsors will not either. Calhoun should just have really known better, no matter what his reasons were for acting that way.
ReplyDeleteCoach Calhoun deserves what ever money the University wants to give him. He is a prestige’s coach, and has won national championships for UConn. If a coach is doing their job and doing it well they should be rewarded. Coach Calhoun is a figure in not on Connecticut, but throughout the nation. Calhoun got in trouble recently for a possible recruiting violation. This most likely occurred because of his desire to win. My high school football coach received a salary of over $75,000 a year just for coaching. Coaches are an influence to the kids they coach, without sports and their coaches to influence some kids can not be reached by teachers and parents and need sports figures to influence them.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is important for coach Calhoun to represent the university in a professional because he is probobly one of the most recognizable faces of the school. Because of this he needs to be a moral leader both to his team and the community and show that he is a professional. I feel like the implications of his actions shouldn't be to much because I feel like the reporter was really pushing Calhoun and being unprofessional himself and so it was a natural (if not ethical) response to the reporter. I remember reading an article in a previous SI about a kid that worked in a factory for a year under the supervision of Calhoun and the kid said that Calhoun was one of the best role models that he's ever had.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree with Calhoun and his assessment of the question, the way he went about addressing it was unacceptable. If UCONN pays him millions to coach basketball, he in turn receives the responsibility to represent the university in a responsible manner. Instead of acting immaturely and arguing with the reporter, he could have simply stated he didn't want to respond to the question. His players as well as the university are represented by his actions. He is sending an inappropriate message to his players about handling issues like these. Perhaps the university is also offended by his actions and is reconsidering a renewed contract in the future. As a sport leader, it is vital that you represent your institution and your players in a positive and mature manner.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important that coach, Jim Calhoun represents the University of Connecticut professionally. His responsibilities as a basketball coach are teaching his basketball team the rules of the game and to lead his team to win. He is very important person for the University of Connecticut during the basketball seasom. His actions reflect on his university, both positively and negatively. He acted very immature and could have just brushed off the comment. He did not show his manner. He is a coach of a university. He should represent a good manner as a sport leader.
ReplyDeleteIt's important for Jim Calhoun to understand that he must always set an example to his players and the school. It's also important to know that things happen everyday within compliance of the school. The way he must act needs to be professional. The school is known for basketball and everyone mus set an example including the coach. As a sport leader, you must show positive and responsible actions.
ReplyDeleteCoach Calhoun's utmost responsibility is to the University and to his players. If he felt uncomfortable with the situation, the best thing to do is to simply say 'Id likes to stick to questions regarding our basketball team, or our next opponent'. Acting professional is his responsibility and moral duty to the school, as he is acting as a spokesman and a leader for the University.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important for Calhoun to represent his University professionally. I believe he regrets his actions towards the reporter, but he does bring up some good arguments, they just could have been stated in a more professional manner. He is sending an irresponsible message not only to his university, but to his players, fans, and assistant coaches. As a moral role model for UConn he should apologize for his actions and try to represent his university positively with his actions and comments, not cast them in a negative light.
ReplyDeleteFor the sake that Jim Calhoun is constantly in the national spotlight for his coaching success at UConn, professionalism should be a top priority at his position. He let his emotions get the best of him from a mere media muckraking question. He, of all people, should realize and prepare for those radical questions that the media is trained to ask. He should realize that his accolades could reflect the actions of his University, himself, or current and future recruits. Through his actions, it appears that verbally protecting his self image is more important than the institution he represents; certainly not the mark of a true moral role-model.
ReplyDeleteAs the head coach of a major college basketball program, Jim Calhoun is a representative not only of his team and the athletic department, but the university as a whole. As the reporter asking the questions pointed out, as a state employee, his actions could even reflect on the state. Although he was put in a difficult position, it is still his responsibility to handle the situation responsibly just as it would be for anyone in any occupation. Being a basketball coach does not give anyone license to insult other people as he did the reporter. When he accepted a position at an academic institution he also accepted the responsibility to teach the students, which makes him a moral role-model. He should be aware of his responsibilities as a coach and be expected to handle situations such as this. At the same time the scrutiny that he has come under has been extreme because of his position, and it can be argued that he made a valid argument, but just went about it in the wrong way.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important for Coach Calhoun to represent the University, himself, and his players in a professional manner. It could be argued that he is one of the most prominent people in the state of Connecticut. He has a very high profile job, and he is often the spokesperson of the University, whether it is appropriate or not. He should have realized the attention this reaction would bring upon himself and the University and he should have responded in a different manner. While I may tend to agree with his opinion on the matter, he should have gone about reacting in a different and more professional fashion.
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