What a shock came from the campus of the University of Connecticut today. Jim Calhoun announced that he is retiring effective immediately. Perhaps that shocks some of you but it doesn't really surprise me much. The reason it doesn't shock me is the reason it makes tonight's short rant.
Everyone who pays attention to college basketball know that he has had a lot of health issues over the last few years but I don't think that is the reason for his retirement. It may be a small piece of it but I don't believe it is all of it. The other thing that any of those same people will know is that UConn is is some real trouble regarding recruiting violations under Jim Calhoun. The violations are so bad that the school is banned from participating in the post season (not even the NIT) for a couple of years. My opinion is that he is running away, leaving the kids that went to the school just to play for him in a bad spot. I personally think this is a coward's way out of it! All he is concerned with is his winning percentage and overall record. He is showing that he is all about himself and his "legacy". If you ask me he is leaving a horrible legacy and presenting a bad example for kids that look up to him. He should stay and take his medicine!
There is a slim chance that this has to do with the school suggesting that it is time for him to leave but I find it to be too much of a coincidence. Especially since in doing that they would have to pay off his contract and get nothing out of it. The penalties don't go away if Calhoun leaves. They don't get any shorter. Taking away post season play is huge financially for the school and it makes recruiting much more difficult. These kids want as much exposure as possible and missing out on the guaranteed national exposure that comes with the March Madness scene is huge!
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