West Virginia University said it is reviewing homophobic comments made by Hall of Famer Bob Huggins, its men’s basketball coach, during a live radio interview Monday and will comment at a later date.
Appearing on the “Bill Cunningham Show” on Cincinnati station 700WLW, Huggins was discussing his 16-season tenure at the University of Cincinnati and the school’s rivalry with Xavier University. Recalling the crosstown shootout between schools, he twice called Xavier fans homophobic slurs. They said, “He would throw a rubber penis on the floor and then say he didn’t do that.”
West Virginia said in a statement that Huggins’ comments were “insensitive and offensive” and did not represent Huggins’ values. The school “does not condone the use of such language and takes such behavior very seriously. The situation is under review and will be addressed by the university and athletic department.”
When asked whether Huggins, 69, would be allowed to continue recruiting and working during the review period, a men’s basketball team spokesperson referred to the university’s statement. Huggins did not respond to a text message asking whether he had been disciplined by the university.
The summer recruiting period peaks in July. College coaches can invite prospects for official and unofficial visits through May 18 and again beginning May 27. Coaches can’t go out on the recruiting trail again until mid-June.
Huggins apologized before the university issued a statement, saying he would “fully accept” any consequences for his comments.
“During our conversation, I used insensitive and disgusting language that is completely inexcusable,” Huggins said in a statement. “I will not try to say that here.” “I deeply apologize to the individuals who offended me, the Xavier University community, the University of Cincinnati, and West Virginia University.”
He did not attend a West Virginia fundraiser in Wheeling, West Virginia, as scheduled on Monday night. His longtime assistant, Ron Everhart, showed up instead.
“He has a conflict and will not be available tonight,” West Virginia athletic director Len Baker told local reporters.
Huggins has coached at West Virginia since 2007. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022 and is one of only six men’s coaches to reach 900 career wins in Division I. Huggins, a West Virginia native, led the program to the Final Four in 2010, a feat the team had not accomplished since the 1950s.
