Now that the news has broken, I can share the transcript of President Kaler’s meeting with Maturi:
Kaler: Thanks for coming in Joel, 8:30am on the dot, you are right on time. I’ll get right to the point.
Matruri: Sure thing, I have been in my office since 4:30 this morning.
Kaler: Really? Why the . . .never mind. The reason I asked you to come in was to tell you that, while I greatly appreciate all of you contributions to the athletic program, I have decided to go in a different direction with the position of athletic director.
Maturi: I am usually here at 4:20, but traffic was light today.
Kaler: Joel, did you hear me, I am not going to renew your contract.
Maturi: Oh, I heard you. Where do I sign?
Kaler: Joel, I am not going to have you continue as the director of athletics. . .
Maturi: I get it, I know how this works. Jeez, I have fired people, you know. Here’s how it goes. You give me a new contract and I sign it. Then you wait a short time, fire me and give me a million dollars.
Kaler: Joel, I am not going to do that. I thought we could ease your transition by giving you some “special projects.” Maybe involving some of the non-revenue sports.
Maturi: And then I’ll get my million dollars?
Kaler: We’re done here, Joel.
Maturi: OK, time for my nap anyway.