Connecticut Ethics Panel Clarifies Rules for Coaches' Endorsements

A Connecticut ethics panel has ruled that the law preventing state employees from using their public office for private gain applies to all state employees, including UConn basketball coaches Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma. While the report specifically exempts current contracts the coaches have, including with Nike, the endorsement deals will face more intense scrutiny upon renewal.

The commission's report clarifies that the so-called "celebrity exception," which had been implied in previous reports, does not exist, and that all state employees must be treated equally. This does not mean that Connecticut public employees cannot attain any private gain, however. For instance, the state's former forensic chief Henry Lee gained fame and consulting fees assisting in several high-profile cases, including the O.J. Simpson murder trial. The key seems to be whether or not the outside contracts would impair the "independent judgment" of the coaches. (Kauffman, "Ethics panel clarifies policy for coaches," Hartford Courant, 06/21/05; "Board rules no ethics exceptions for celebrity state employees," Conn. Times, 06/21/05).

It will be interesting to see how Calhoun's extension is scrutinized when it is renewed in August. If it comes under heavy fire, big-name coaches may be reluctant to come to UConn in the future and potentially jeopardize a large portion of their income. Chances are good, though, that the state will find a way to accept these deals. But as one columnist asks, wouldn't it be better if these endorsements benefited the school and not the individual coach? ("No special terms for stars," 06/22/05).

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