Boulder – The financial problems that have plagued the University of Colorado’s athletic department could affect how coach Gary Barnett receives his $2 million retention bonus at the end of his current contract.
As it stands, the department is not able to pay the full bonus, which kicks in during the summer of 2007 should Barnett serve out the term of his five-year contract. CU athletic director Mike Bohn has been pondering ways to pay Barnett, who also is seeking a contract extension.
“I’ve been aware of it for quite some time,” Bohn said Monday of the difficulties surrounding Barnett’s bonus. “I’m not going to get into a discussion about all of the nuances with that, but it is complex.”
Adding that it’s “inappropriate to comment on anything associated with any of our coaches’ agreements,” Bohn declined to specify how the university plans to pay Barnett. Here are two options should Barnett still be at CU when the bonus is due:
If Barnett’s contract is extended, part or all of the $2 million could be folded into a contract extension. Length of the contract, Barnett’s base salary, camp money and incentives are other considerations during the ongoing negotiations.
If Barnett’s contract isn’t extended, CU would have to figure out a way to pay it.
“It’s an obligation of the university,” said Barnett’s agent, Gary O’Hagan. “Gary’s earned it.”
Asked about the matter, Barnett said he didn’t know much about it, but was willing to work out whatever needed to be done.
“We’re all reasonable,” Barnett said. “That’s the best thing to say in this case. I don’t think I’ve ever been unreasonable, and the university hasn’t been unreasonable. So, reasonable people can probably work those things out.”
Since his hiring in April, Bohn’s main concern has been overcoming the athletic department’s budget shortfall, which was $3 million when he was hired. Coaches have been asked to slash 25 percent of their budgets from the past two seasons until fundraising improves.
The department has raised more than $2 million in the past five months. CU’s athletic scholarship fund receives the bulk of those booster dollars, but a portion has gone toward weight room improvements and a scoreboard for the soccer team.
Bohn is waiting for a final report of the IRS audit of CU’s football camp expenses. He said he has not heard when it will be released.
“I’ve been involved with some discussions, but I don’t have a final copy of their report,” Bohn said.
Injury updates
Quarterback Joel Klatt (sprained toe) wore a protective boot Monday and did not practice. Barnett said Klatt “should be ready to go” for today’s drills. Guard Brian Daniels (rib/kidney) could be available for Saturday’s game, pending results of a test on his kidneys. Tackle Tyler Polumbus (ankle) also could be available. Guard Jack Tipton’s status (sprained ankle) is uncertain.
Footnotes
Kicker Mason Crosby was named Big 12 special-teams player of the week, his second award this season. … Kickoff for CU’s Oct. 8 game against Texas A&M has been set for 5 p.m. and will be televised by Fox Sports. … QB Bernard Jackson will continue to work at other positions but is not undergoing a full position change, Barnett said.
