West Virginia on Bob Huggins use of homophobic slur: The situation is under review

West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins has turned into the story of college basketball but for all the wrong reasons. Appearing on a Cincinnati radio show and using a homophobic slur when discussing Xavier fans, Huggins soon apologized for his actions.

Now, West Virginia has chimed in and revealed their next steps following Huggins’ actions.

In a statement released by the athletic department, West Virginia says the situation is “under review” and “will be addressed.” The university said Huggins’ use of the homophobic slur does not reflect the values and the word is not acceptable.

“Coach Huggins’ remarks today on a Cincinnati radio show were insensitive, offensive, and do not represent our university values,” the statement read. “Coach Huggins has since apologized. West Virginia does not condone the use of such language and takes such actions very seriously. The situation is under review and will be addressed by the university and its athletic department.”

Huggins has been with West Virginia since the 2007-2008 season. When he began, the Mountaineers were in the Big East before transitioning into the Big 12 in 2012. There has been a ton of success in Morgantown under Huggins, making 11 NCAA Tournaments and a Final Four.

Now, it could all be in question following the head coach’s actions. West Virginia was having a solid offseason and prepared to be a contender this upcoming year. Now, the future of Huggins remains in question as the athletic department explores options moving forward.

Bob Huggins appears to use homophobic slur when describing Xavier fans

Huggins has a long history with Xavier, dating back to his days as the head coach of Cincinnati. The two share one of college basketball’s more intense rivalries in the Crosstown Shootout. In over 15 years with the Bearcats, Huggins finished with an 8-8 record against the program’s bitter rivals.

The radio show brought up an old memory of a game, where Huggins mentioned Xavier fans were throwing inflatable male genitalia onto the court. Huggins went on to call them “Catholic f***” for the act and claimed they could get away with anything.

West Virginia did play against Xavier this past season, with the Cincinnati-based team earning a win at home. Huggins made his feelings known for the program ahead of the game.

“I don’t have any good thoughts of Xavier whatsoever,” Huggins said in early December. “None. Absolutely none.”

Xavier’s win marked the second half of a home-and-home series between them and West Virginia. Huggins was on the losing end during both contests.