Former West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins is disputing the resignation letter released by the university after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence last month. Huggins claims that the letter was a “false statement” and was sent without his signature, suggesting that he should still be employed by the school. Huggins has since checked into a rehabilitation facility and plans to remain there until he is cleared to return to his coaching duties.
In a statement issued through his attorney, Huggins expressed his desire to “set the record straight on the past two weeks” following his DUI charge. He acknowledged his mistake and took responsibility for his actions, stating that he has taken a course to ensure that such a mistake will not occur in the future. Huggins also apologized to the university community for letting them down and emphasized that his actions did not represent the values of the university or the leadership expected in his role.
Following Huggins’ arrest, West Virginia president E. Gordon Gee and athletic director Wren Baker issued a joint statement expressing their support for his decision to focus on his health and family. However, the university later informed Huggins’ attorney that they would not accept his attempt to rescind his resignation or reinstate him as head coach of the men’s basketball program.
This incident comes just over a month after Huggins used an anti-gay slur during a live interview with a Cincinnati radio station. He quickly apologized for his insensitive and abhorrent phrase and was subsequently suspended for three games, had his salary reduced by $1 million, and had his contract amended. Huggins was also required to undergo training sessions with WVU’s LGBTQ+ Center. The university made it clear that any further incidents of derogatory and offensive language would result in immediate termination.
Huggins’ use of the anti-gay slur occurred during a call-in segment on 700 WLW with radio host Bill Cunningham. He used the slur twice when referring to Xavier University, his former crosstown basketball rival. Huggins denigrated Xavier’s Jesuit religious affiliation in the process. This incident, along with his previous DUI arrest in 2004, led to his resignation from the University of Cincinnati in 2005.
Despite these controversies, Huggins has had a successful coaching career. He had a record of 345-203 in 16 seasons at West Virginia and ranks fourth all-time in career Division-I victories with 934. Prior to his time at West Virginia, Huggins had a record of 399-127 over 16 seasons at Cincinnati, including 14 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2022, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
It remains to be seen how the situation with Huggins will unfold. The university has made it clear that they do not intend to reinstate him as head coach, while Huggins maintains that the resignation letter was a false statement. As he continues his rehabilitation and awaits clearance to return to his coaching duties, the future of his career remains uncertain.
In conclusion, former West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins is disputing the resignation letter released by the university after his DUI arrest. He claims that the letter was sent without his signature and should not be considered valid. Huggins has taken responsibility for his actions and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. The university has stated that they will not reinstate him as head coach, while Huggins maintains that he should still be employed by the school. The future of his coaching career remains uncertain as he awaits clearance to return to his duties.