For A Few Dollars… Gone

Money is ubiquitous. Money is inspiring, insipid, and incendiary. Allegedly, money cannot purchase friends, love, health, happiness, or spirituality. With that stated, money facilitates projects. Money rescinds commitment. Money induces passion. Money affords finer circumstances. Money elevates status. Obviously, the poets were wrong. Money purchases all.

On Friday, the Orlando Magic hired Florida Coach Billy Donovan. Donovan signed a 5-year, $27.5 million contact. According to him, alteration was necessary. “Certainly, I could've stayed at Florida. ... It was a comfortable decision with four children and our family being happy there," Donovan said. "I know the athletic director. We've obviously had tremendous success. I could have just stayed and waited. ... I think in this day and age with so much the publicity and so much attention on college and professional basketball now, it's really hard to stay at place for a long, long period of time.”

Annually, Donovan will receive $5.5 million. His pact also includes condominium access and hiring privileges. In supporting roles, Donovan may install thirteen cohorts.

Overall, Donovan’s record is 296-123. During his Marshall tenure, Donovan posted a 35-20 mark. During his Florida reign, Donovan logged a 261-103 ledger. He also accrued a 22-7 NCAA Tournament record and three championship contest appearances.

From 2005-2007, Donovan’s Gators tallied sixty-eight wins, twelve consecutive NCAA tournament victories, consecutive SEC tournament championships, and consecutive NCAA tournament championships. In April, Florida and Donovan negotiated an extension. Unfortunately, said extension went unsigned.

Following his second title, Donovan attained rare status. He became an idol. Alas, Donovan was an ignorant idol. Last week, money was thrown before him. He fell. Donovan sold his loyalty.