Hartford - Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Friday telephoned a University of Connecticut benefactor who had demanded the return of $3 million in contributions to the school’s football program.

Malloy, speaking Tuesday in a press conference at the state Capitol, said he called Robert G. Burton after receiving a copy of a letter Burton wrote last week asking that his donation be returned.

Burton cited disagreements with UConn Athletic Director Jeff Hathaway in his letter to the athletic director, which was first reported by The Day on Tuesday.

“I read the letter Friday afternoon (and) I actually put a call in to him at that time,” Malloy said Tuesday during a press conference at the Capitol. The governor said he knew Burton, a businessman, from previous interactions when he was mayor of Stamford.

Malloy was diplomatic.

“These types of things are frequently two sides of any issue and I’m not familiar with the other side,” Malloy said.

“I think it’s important that universities run themselves, and do so appropriately,” Malloy added. “... I would hope that communications would be improved and perhaps relationships would be improved as a result.”