What?
(See this CNBC.com article.)
Who turns down a raise? What national championship coach says, "No thank you," to more?
When the University of Virginia administration offered the new contract terms, Bennett said they were "very gracious in what they offered me as a potential contract, but I have a very good contract." He went on to say, "I have more than enough, and if there are ways that this can help out the athletic department, the other programs and coaches, by not tying up so much [in men's basketball], that's my desire."
Furthermore, Bennett gave a half million dollars to an initiative to help UVA basketball players with career training.
At 50 years of age, Bennett gets it. As rewarding as power and money can be, they are not what life is about. He obviously cares about people, relationships, and a well-rounded athletic program. He puts his principles into practice.
With his rejection of this lucrative contract, Bennett is saying more than mere words could possibly say. He's saying more than he could ever say by taking the money.
He is inspiring his players, his institution, and the world of sports to live for something that an agent could never negotiate for.
Maybe some of us have been chasing after the wrong things.
