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Butler president James Danko hits back, defends Bulldogs' Big East basketball credentials

INDIANAPOLIS -- On a celebratory afternoon for Butler’s new basketball coach, the university president lashed out at those suggesting the Bulldogs might not belong in the Big East.

In a Wednesday address to those assembled to welcome back coach Thad Matta, university president James Danko said “with all the excitement that’s happening at Butler,” he was surprised to see occasional critics.

Danko said he spoke to LaVall Jordan on Tuesday and asked for applause for the former coach. Jordan was fired Friday after five seasons.

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The president touted Butler fund-raising exceeding a $250 million goal in its “Butler Beyond” capital campaign.