Money can’t buy him happiness

Football: A major benefactor to the University of Connecticut wants the school to return $3 million in donations and remove his family name from its football complex because he says he was shut out of discussions about the selection of a new football coach.

Robert Burton, chief executive officer of Greenwich, Conn.-based Burton Capital Management, said in a Jan. 19 letter to UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway that his opinions were ignored and he did not support the way Paul Pasqualoni was selected as coach.

Burton (pictured above) called the situation “a slap in the face and embarrassment to my family,” and said he planned “to let the correct people know that you did not listen to your No. 1 football donor.”

In a written statement on behalf of UConn and Hathaway, the athletic department said that Burton was among many interested people who offered input, and that Hathaway “did receive and acknowledge” Burton’s advice before Pasqualoni was hired.

Associated Press

Sankey switches to Washington

Prep football: Scout.com reported Tuesday night that Gonzaga Prep record- breaking running back Bishop Sankey, who had given an oral commitment to Washington State, is now a recruit of the University of Washington.

Sankey set the Greater Spokane League’s career rushing mark this past season.

Mountain West won’t expand

After two days of meetings, the Mountain West Conference Board of Directors issued a statement declaring the conference would not expand. This comes after reports that Utah State and perhaps San Jose State were set to jump from the WAC to MWC.

Already the MWC has lured Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii and Nevada from the WAC. Last week Idaho athletic director Rob Spear said the Vandals are pursuing, among other options, a possible MWC spot.

Josh Wright

Five area athletes receive honors

Colleges: Senior Michael Taylor was chosen the men’s basketball player of the week by the Northwest Conference after leading the Pirates to two home victories last week.

Whitworth swimmers Kalen Darly, a senior, and Jennifer Benson, a junior, received weekly honors for their performances in the Pirates’ road sweep of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran.

Idaho’s Lachlan Reed was named Western Athletic Conference men’s tennis player of the week after an undefeated week in singles and doubles.

Idaho pole vaulter Jeremy Klas was named WAC men’s indoor field athlete of the week after clearing 17 feet, 2 3/4 inches at last Friday’s Cougar Indoor.