According to the source, "[The official] toldSperling that the next time he sees his name inthe paper, it better be in the obituary column."
Sperling denied that the reprimand everoccurred and the HMC official, who is no longerwith the University, could not be reached forcomment.
Sources also told The Crimson that Sperling wasinvolved in ethically questionable activity withregard to a film production and distributioncompany Aeneas controls. Sperling's sister waslisted in the credits of a film, Cold Feet,produced by the company, Avenue Pictures thesources said.
Although Sperling acknowledged that the chargeis true, he denied any wrongdoing.
"It's hard for me to see an ethical issuethere," Sperling said, adding that the did notarrange for his sister to work on ColdFeet.
Avenue President Cary Brokaw confirmed thatSperling did not get his sister the job on ColdFeet. "Scott being her brother was one ofseveral reasons why she was interviewed...but itwas her qualities as an individual that caused herto get the position," Brokaw said.
Still, despite the criticisms, Sperling andEisenson said they are convinced that they areeffective leaders of a superior corporation.
"Our objective in our role here is to build anorganization that will be a high quality privateinvestment organization that works for Harvard,"Eisenson said. "That's what we've been trying todo."
Said Sperling, "We make mistakes. We can'tpromise not to. But I think overall, we're prettyhappy with the organization. And I think mostpeople who are knowledgeable about what we do areas well."
And then, chuckling slightly he added, "Butobviously not everybody."