Bob Huggins, WVU officials release statements regarding discipline for homophobic slur

West Virginia president E. Gordon Gee and Director of Athletics Wren Baker released a joint statement after the suspension of basketball coach Bob Huggins. Huggins also released a personal statement following the decision.

Huggins said a homophobic slur on a radio show earlier this week. His future was immediately uncertain following the incident.

Huggins will be suspended for the first three regular season games, have his current contract amended to a year-by-year agreement and any similar incident will result in immediate termination.

“On Monday, May 8, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Huggins was interviewed on a Cincinnati radio show where he used derogatory and offensive language,” the statement read. “It was inexcusable. It was a moment that unfairly and inappropriately hurt many people and has tarnished West Virginia University.

“It is also a moment that provides the opportunity for learning. A moment that can shine a light on the injustice and hate that often befall the members of our marginalized communities. While the University has never and will never condone the language used on Monday, we will use this moment to educate how the casual use of inflammatory language and implicit bias affect our culture, our community and our health and well-being.

“To begin, the Athletics Department will partner with WVU’s LGBTQ+ Center to develop annual training sessions that will address all aspects of inequality including homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism and more. This training and programming will be required of Coach Huggins and all current and future athletics coaching staff.”

Huggins released a lengthy statement on the decision.

“I have no excuse for the language I used, and I take full responsibility,” Huggins said, in part. “I will abide with the actions outlined by the university and athletics leadership to learn from this incident. I have had several conversations with colleagues and friends that I deeply respect and admire over the last 24 hours, and I am keenly aware of the pain that I have caused. I meant what I wrote on Monday – I will do better.”

Furthermore, West Virginia’s statement revealed some stipulations for Huggins to make amends.

Huggins personally volunteered to make a substantial donation to Xavier University to support its Center for Faith and Justice and its Center for Diversity and Inclusion.