Bob Huggins

Bob Huggins Resigns As West Virginia’s Head Coach After DUI Arrest

by

Bob Huggins has resigned as the men’s head basketball coach at West Virginia University and retired from college basketball in the wake of his arrest for driving under the influence in Pittsburgh, earlier this week. He announced the decision in a statement released on Saturday night.

“My recent actions do not represent the values of the University or the leadership expected in this role. While I have always tried to represent our University with honor, I have let all of you – and myself – down,” Huggins said in a statement on Saturday.

Read More: Bronny James’ USC Debut Revealed

Bob Huggins During The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – MARCH 16: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Legacy Arena at the BJCC on March 16, 2023 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

He continued: “I am solely responsible for my conduct and sincerely apologize to the University community – particularly to the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our program. I must do better, and I plan to spend the next few months focused on my health and my family so that I can be the person they deserve.”

The school responded by releasing a statement of its own. “On behalf of West Virginia University, we share our appreciation for his service to our University, our community and our state,” the statement read. “During his time as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach, Coach Huggins devoted himself to his players, to our student body, to our fans and alumni and to all West Virginians. His contributions will always be a part of our history. In the days ahead, we will focus on supporting the student-athletes in our men’s basketball program and solidifying leadership for our program.”

Bob Huggins Retires From College Basketball

The arrest came just six weeks after Huggins used an anti-gay slur in an interview with a Cincinnati radio station. The school already hit him with a $1 million salary reduction and a three-game suspension for that remark. During his tenure with the university, Huggins led Mountaineers to 11 NCAA tournament appearances, including a Final Four in 2010.

Read More: West Virginia Basketball Coach Gets $1M Salary Reduction For Slur

[Via]

The post Bob Huggins Resigns As West Virginia’s Head Coach After DUI Arrest appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

West Virginia Basketball Coach Gets $1M Salary Reduction For Slur

by

Bob Huggins has coached the West Virginia Mountaineers Men’s Basketball team since 2007. However, Huggins is a veteran coach whose career began in 1977. Affectionately known as “Huggy Bear”, Huggins is a widely respected figure in collegiate basketball.

However, he is currently in the midst of a controversy. Huggins appeared on a radio show on Monday in Cincinnati. Previously, Huggins served as the men’s basketball head coach for the Cincinnati Bearcats between 1989 and 2005. When discussing a match against crosstown rivals Xavier, Huggins recalled “rubber penises” being thrown onto the court.

Huggins: Any school that can throw rubber penises on the floor and then say they didn’t do it, my God, they can get away with anything

Cunningham: I think it was ‘transgender night,’ wasn’t it?

Huggins: What it was, was all those f-gs, those Catholic f-gs, I think.

News Radio 700 WLW, Monday May 8

Huggins subsequently apologized for his use of the anti-gay slur, calling them “abhorrent”. However, West Virginia University opened an investigation into the incident.

Huggins’ Contract Restructured

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – MARCH 16: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Legacy Arena at the BJCC on March 16, 2023 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Sources have told ESPN that Huggins is not expected to miss the entire 2023/24 season for his comments. However, he and the university are in final talks to restructure his contract. The result of his restructuring will see a reduction in his salary from $4.2 million to $3.2 million. The $1 million reduction is believed to be one of the largest in college basketball history. Additionally, Huggins will likely start the season suspended and will be required to undergo sensitivity training.

The decision appears to have come from the highest echelons of the university hierarchy. Huggins met with President Gordon Gee and other members of West Virginia’s board of trustees to discuss the incident. While Huggins reportedly expressed remorse and contrition for his remarks, the board felt that a statement punishment needed to be made. Huggins is 934-415 in his coaching career. Last season, the Mountaineers went 19-15 and made a first-round exit in March Madness. However, the season also saw the sudden firing of longtime associate head coach Larry Harrison, whose departure still remains a mystery for many WVU fans.

[via]