Bob Huggins Issues Apology for Slur Used During Radio Interview

A few words from the Mountaineer head coach.

On Monday, a clip from an interview featuring West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins on a Cincinnati radio station was made public in which he used a homophobic slur in describing the Xavier basketball fan base. 

Moments ago, Bob Huggins issued an official apology released through the university.

“Earlier today on a Cincinnati radio program, I was asked about the rivalry between my former employer, the University of Cincinnati, and its crosstown rival, Xavier University. During the conversation, I used a completely insensitive and abhorrent phrase that there is simply no excuse for —and I won’t try to make one here. I deeply apologize to the individuals I have offended, as well as to the Xavier University community, the University of Cincinnati and West Virginia University. As I have shared with my players over my 40 years of coaching, there are consequences for our words and actions, and I will fully accept any coming my way. I am ashamed and embarrassed and heartbroken for those I have hurt. I must do better, and I will.”

Huggins was inducted into the Naismith College Basketball Hall of Fame in September of last year. 

Huggins' 935 career wins leads all active NCAA men's coaches. The Morgantown, WV native has led his teams to 26 NCAA Tournament berths, including nine appearances in the Sweet Sixteen and two appearances in the NCAA Final Four. In 16 years as the head coach at the University of Cincinnati (1989-2005), Huggins led the Bearcats to eight Conference USA regular season championships, four Conference USA Tournament championships, was a three-time Conference USA Coach of the Year and was honored as the Conference USA Coach of the Decade in 2005. On the national level, he was tabbed as the Sporting News National Coach of the Year in 2000 and the ESPN.com National Coach of the Year in 2002.

The Morgantown native has accumulated a 345-203 record while at West Virginia with 11 NCAA tournament appearances, including five Sweet Sixteen's and a Final Four.

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