Several Texas senators on Thursday criticized the recent $200,000 raise for Texas basketball coach Rick Barnes, calling it "nuts" and "tone deaf" during a state budget crisis that threatens deep cuts to higher education. The state is facing a budget shortfall that some estimates put as high as $27 billion. Current spending proposals would cut money for universities and tuition programs for poor students. Barnes' raise was approved by university regents on Wednesday. "I think it's nuts," said state Sen. Steve Ogden, chairman of the Senate's budget writing committee. Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6534857
