WVU Basketball Coach Bob Huggins Apologizes, Remains As Coach

May 11, 2023

MORGANTOWN, WV–West Virginia University basketball coach Bob Huggins is reportedly going to remain the head coach but face suspension and salary reduction after making remarks on WLW Radio 700 AM in Cincinnati on a radio show Monday. Huggins apparently made a homophobic slur referring to Xavier University fans and also denigrating Catholics during the interview. When Huggins was head coach at Cincinnati, Xavier was a cross town rival.

Here is coach Huggins apology:

” Earlier today on a Cincinnati radio program, I was asked about the rivalry between my former employer, the University of Cincinnati, and its crosstown rival, Xavier University. During the conversation, I used a completely insensitive and abhorrent phrase that there is simply no excuse for, and I won’t try to make one here. I deeply apologize to the individuals I have offended, as well as to the Xavier University community, the University of Cincinnati and West Virginia University.

As I have shared with my players over my 40 years of coaching, there are consequences for our words and actions, and I will fully accept any coming my way. I am ashamed and embarrassed and heartbroken for those I have hurt. I must do better, and I will.” Signed, Bob Huggins .

Actions taken by West Virginia University:

WVU announced that it has suspended Huggins for the first three games of the 2023-24 season in response to the radio remarks. Additionally he will be required to meet with leaders of WVU’s LGBTQ plus center, work with WVU’s Carruth Center to better understand the mental health crisis facing the college students and donate one million dollars to those organizations, plus a substantial donation to Xavier University.

Huggins said, ” West Virginia and West Virginia University are my home. I love this University and know first hand that the education and experiences students receive here make a difference. I am truly sorry for the damage I have done. And I am grateful for the chance to move forward in a way that positively represents this University and our state.”