Robert Burton, a big-time donor to the UConn football program, was reportedly upset after AD Jeff Hathaway failed to consult with "knowledgeable" people about who Edsall's replacement should be—for the record—Steve Adazzio was the man Burton felt was best for the job (guess he didn't see the Gators offense last season). Burton even went so far as to request his name be removed from one of the buildings, and that the $3 million check he recently wrote be returned (don't hold your breath, Mr. Burton).
While a demanding donor is nothing new in the game of football, it seems dangerous for UConn to continue coddling this man. The last thing college football needs is a return to the days of rogue boosters gone wild—remember SMU?
If Burton's a business man with any true sense, he should know that he's in a lose-lose situation right now because UConn is not going to fire Pasqualoni. If anything they will throw their support behind him even more, as they should, because they don't want any further negativity as he begins his tenure in Storrs.
Mr. Burton's best bet is to keep his mouth closed and let the hire run its course. Why continue making useless waves?
Sooner or later, particularly if Pasqualoni turns out to be a success, Burton might regret his ill-advised behavior. In the meantime, he should try another sport if he doesn't like the state of football in Connecticut—I hear their basketball team is pretty good.
