DC_JAY wrote:Shatel has a very nice story on the behind-the-scenes wrangling that occurred over the past two weeks. According to him, Hendrickson and Blossom heard from a number of donors, who expressed worry. The UConn game seems to have been the decisive moment, setting off negotiations that led to the new contract.
Here's a leaked email that prompted Hendrickson/Blossom to action:
I am writing as a concerned CU alumnus and longtime season ticket holder. Coach McDermott is the reason I decided to stop buying single game tickets and become a season ticket holder years ago. As a husband and father, I am proud of our program and the values it represents. CU did not live up to those ideals in 2021 with how Coach McDermott was treated in the wake of his poor choice of words - the "plantation" comment. That continues to this day. I and many others have seen an insufficient effort by Father Hendrickson and AD Blossom towards rebuilding and/or maintaining that relationship. This is due in no small part to the fact that Coach McDermott deserves a significant raise in compensation for his performance.
I speak for many in saying this, and be sure that Father Hendrickson and AD Blossom know it: Fix it or we're gone.
An apology and/or public affirmation of Coach McDermott's impeccable, career-long character and commitment to excellence, without which CU would never be where it is today, and most of all - PAY HIM. Now. He deserves an offer for a contact paying least $3 million per year or more, and everyone knows it.
If this does not happen and Coach McDermott leaves, you can count my money and support for Creighton out. Your move, Father Hendrickson.
Thank you.