WV Head Coach Bob Huggins Will Reportedly Be Punished (But Not Fired) After His On-Air Homophobic Slur

May 10, 2023, by Elias Schuster Chicago Bulls, NCAAB

According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, West Virginia intend to keep Hall of Fame head coach Bob Huggins next season.

The announcement comes in the wake of a radio appearance where Huggins used a homophobic slur to refer to fans of Xavier University. The Mountaineers program went on to investigate the incident, ultimately deciding to keep Huggins at the helm of the organization and administer a penalty.

Huggins will receive a suspension, a $1 million salary reduction, and will have to undergo sensitivity training, per Thamel.

Sources: WVU and coach Bob Huggins are finalizing details for him to return to the sideline next season in the wake of him using an anti-gay slur in a radio interview earlier this week. He's expected to receive a suspension, $1 million salary reduction and sensitivity training. pic.twitter.com/w2VSVrl22p
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) May 10, 2023

Huggins also released an apology earlier in the week, stating that there was “no excuse” for his comment. You can read the full statement here.

West Virginia’s decision will undoubtedly be a controversial one. And the road to forgive also doesn’t stop here for Huggins. The long-time head coach will have to prove over time that he’s learned why what he did was so wrong. Unfortunately, it’s hard to fully believe this level of discipline will help him do just that.