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UConn Players Offered to Pay Coach's Fine After Ejection
Head coach Dan Hurley revealed his players wanted to help cover the $25,000 fine he received from the Big East.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:50pm
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After UConn head coach Dan Hurley was ejected from the team's loss to Marquette and fined $25,000 by the Big East, he revealed that his players offered to pay parts of the fine themselves. Hurley said he couldn't accept the offer, as it would have been illegal, but he was touched by the gesture and team unity.
Why it matters
This story highlights the strong bond between the UConn coaching staff and players, as well as the players' willingness to support their coach even when he faces disciplinary action. It also raises questions about the fairness of steep fines for coaches, especially when players are eager to help cover the costs.
The details
Hurley was ejected from the Marquette game in the final seconds after receiving two quick technical fouls. The Big East then issued him a $25,000 fine. At the postgame press conference for UConn's next game against Xavier, Hurley revealed that his players had offered to pay parts of the fine, with some saying they would contribute $1,000, $500, or even $2,500. Hurley said he couldn't accept the offer, as it would have been illegal, but he was touched by the gesture.
- On March 4, 2026, Hurley was ejected from the Marquette game.
- On March 5, 2026, the Big East issued Hurley a $25,000 fine.
- On March 9, 2026, UConn defeated Xavier 93-68 in the Big East Tournament.
The players
Dan Hurley
The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team.
Taris Reed Jr.
A UConn player who had a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds in the win over Xavier.
Solo Ball
A UConn player who led the team in scoring with 19 points in the win over Xavier.
What they’re saying
“If I can add to that, just the kinds of young men that these guys are, they actually offered to pay parts of the fine.”
— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Men's Basketball
“How nice was that? Obviously, it would be illegal, so I couldn't accept it.”
— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Men's Basketball
“There were guys raising their hand, 'I'll give a thousand,' 'I'll give 500,' I mean, '2500,' It was..We're done.”
— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, UConn Men's Basketball
What’s next
UConn will take on the Georgetown Hoyas in the Big East Tournament semifinals on Friday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
The takeaway
This story highlights the strong team unity and player-coach relationship at UConn, where the players were willing to go above and beyond to support their coach even when he faced disciplinary action. It also raises questions about the fairness of steep fines for coaches in college basketball.
