Robert G. Burton has demanded that the University of Connecticut return his $3 million gift and remove his name from the Burton Family Football Complex because UConn did not consult with him before hiring new head coach Paul Pasqualoni. From Mr. Burton’s January 19 letter to UConn Athletic Director Jeff Hathaway:
When I called you on Monday, January I made two things very clear to you, as the largest donor in the UConn football program. I told you that I wanted to be involved in the hiring process for the new coach. I also gave you my insight about who would be a good fit for the head coaching position as well as who would not. For someone who has given over $7,000,000 to the football program/university, I do not feel as though these requests were asking for too much. … I was not looking for veto power over the next hire; ljust wanted to be kept in the loop and add value and comments on any prospective candidates. …
I believe that you are not qualified to be a Division 1 AD and I would have fired you a long time ago. You do not have the skills to manage and cultivate new donors or the ability to work with coaches. …
[D]on’t underestimate me or what I have outlined and requested in this document. I have already secured legal counsel from several law firms. … We want our money and respect back.
