West Virginia’s Bob Huggins now facing suspension and $1 million contract alteration. What do we know?
Following his less than respectful statements about Xavier’s fan base, West Virginia’s coach is now facing suspension and a contractual amendment.
As was expected, the University of West Virginia has now taken action against its Hall of Fame basketball coach, following his controversial comments about Xavier and its fan base. It will be interesting to see how the school’s program moves forward now that the coach has been disciplined.
West Virginia suspends Bob Huggins and amends contract
According to an announcement from the school on Wednesday, West Virginia has suspended Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach, Bob Huggins, for three games and amended his contract from a multi-year agreement to a year-by-year agreement. As a result of the new deal, Huggins who made homophobic comments about Xavier’s fan base during a recent appearance on a Cincinnati radio station, will see his salary cut by $1 million. The new contract is set to expire on April 30th, 2024. To his credit, Huggins apologized just hours after his remarks in a statement, but his comments triggered an official review from the university which ultimately led to the suspension and a number of other conditions which he must adhere to going forward.
“We will never truly know the damage that has been done by the words said in those 90 seconds,” read a statement signed by WVU president Gordon Gee and athletic director Wren Baker. “Words matter and they can leave scars that can never be seen. But words can also heal. And by taking this moment to learn more about another’s perspective, speak respectfully and lead with understanding, perhaps the words ‘do better’ will lead to meaningful change for all.” The statement from Gee and Baker also indicated that WVU’s athletic department will be partnering with the campus’ LGBTQ+ Center to create training sessions for Huggins and his staff who will also be required to meet with LGBTQ+ leaders. “Through those conversations, we expect Coach Huggins, in accordance with these partners, to engage in additional opportunities to show support for the LGBTQ+ community,” the statement said.
What exactly will Bob Huggins have to do?
It is understood that Huggins will also be required to work with the university’s Carruth Center, for the purpose of raising awareness on how to support students’ health and well-being. Indeed, the money that has been taken from Huggins’ salary will go directly toward the university’s LGBTQ+ Center, the Carruth Center “and other state and national organizations that support marginalized communities,” WVU’s statement said. It’s worth noting, that the statement also goes on to make it explicitly clear that “any incidents of similar derogatory and offensive language” will result in Huggins’ firing.
Additionally, Huggins will be required to make a donation to two organizations at Xavier University itself. Specifically, the Center for Faith and Justice and its Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Huggins addressed his his situation in a statement: “West Virginia and West Virginia University are my home,” he wrote. “I love this university and know first-hand that the education and experiences students receive here make a difference. I am truly sorry for the damage I have done. And I am grateful for the chance to move forward in a way that positively represents this university and our state.”