The governor said the actions of the coach prompted him to stop seeking private business support for the program. The governor helped raised money for the department last year.

"You think I can go out and ask for $100,000 when the last four guys that I asked gave $450,000 and didn't even get a thank-you note?" Cayetano said in an interview with The Honolulu Advertiser. "I'm not going to do that. VonAppen doesn't quite get it."

VonAppen questioned the governor's timing for his criticism, coming just three days before the season-opening game against Minnesota on Saturday.

"I don't think we've been ungrateful for things that have been done," vonAppen said today.

Since taking over as coach last year, vonAppen has criticized the team's facilities, accommodations and equipment and what he has described as a lack of support from the state and the university.

In an interview yesterday in the Star-Bulletin, vonAppen said he wasn't sure he would be around to finish his contract. He's in the second year of a three year deal.

"At this rate I don't intend to finish out my tenure here," vonAppen was quoted in the story.

VonAppen said today he wouldn't be surprised if the latest upheaval hastens his departure from UH. "He might do that," vonAppen said. "He's free to do that any time he wants to. I understand that. That's part of the business."

In yesterday's Star-Bulletin story vonAppen expressed dismay at the state's commitment to the program. "It's not as advertised. I've come in here as a head coach of a Division I school that said it wanted to go to the next level. They've done little to demonstrate they want to go to the next level," he said.

The Rainbows went 2-10 last year, their worst record ever. In the offseason, the team lost kicker Shannon Smith, who drowned on Kauai while saving the life of vonAppen's 6-year-old son, Cody.

"I'm saying, 'This isn't worth it, other than the obligation I have to other people.' For me personally, it's not that big of an ego trip. I'm not enjoying it that much."

UH opens its season Saturday against Minnesota at Aloha Stadium.

Fund-raising efforts have been hurt by vonAppen's public complaints about the lack of support the athletic department and his team receive, the governor said.

"He can think I'm the biggest jerk in town. It doesn't matter," Cayetano said. "But I think what he says does not engender support from the people. He needs to think about that because he's like the governor. In many ways, what he says has a rippling effect."

The coach calls it a question of credibility.

"I don't think your credibility is very good if you indicate everything's fine when it isn't," he said. "The governor and I don't agree on that one. He's a much bigger man than I am, certainly not in physical stature, but in position. But I'm not going to defer to his (position)."

DEFENSIVE PLAY OF THE DAY: Linebacker Kamuela Cobb-Adams had one of the nicest interceptions in camp this season. Playing the right flat, the senior linebacker broke to an area of the field as running back Jade Charles came by in a pass route. Quarterback Josh Skinner tried to force in the ball, but Cobb-Adams would have none of it. Going to his right, he stopped, reached back across his body and snagged the football. He then quickly headed up field, picking up his blockers along the way like a fullback, as he returned the ball for a score.

INJURY REPORT: Outside linebacker Rufus Ayeni is out for this weekend's game with the University of Minnesota with a strained knee. He attended yesterday's practice in street clothes. UH head coach Fred vonAppen said Ayeni could run straight ahead, but couldn't make any tough cuts. Cornerback Robbie Robinson's left ankle is badly sprained. He will attempt to run on it today, but vonAppen said it was unlikely the senior would play this weekend. Trainers list him as questionable. Cornerback Ricky Lumford had an MRI for a strained neck he suffered in last Tuesday's scrimmage at Cooke Field, but the X-rays were negative. Outside linebacker Rinda Brooks suffered a bruised hip, but is listed as probable.

TRANSACTION WIRE: There was no news on the academic front. Linebacker Punahou Aina is working on finishing an incomplete in order to remain eligible.

WEATHER REPORT: The team practiced on the grass fields yesterday, cutting down on the heat that comes off the artificial surface of Cooke Field. The temperature remained in the high 80s.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I'm just going to go home and pray a lot."

-- Robbie Robinson hoping to come back from his ankle injury