By Joe Brocato, WV MetroNews
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In an interview on Bill Cunningham’s radio show on 700 WLW in Cincinnati Monday, WVU men’s basketball head coach Bob Huggins used a homophobic slur in reference at fans to Xavier University.
Huggins, the former head coach at the University of Cincinnati, was asked during the interview if he poached any Xavier players to come to West Virginia. Huggins responded by saying, “Any school that can throw rubber penises on the floor and then say they didn’t do it, my god they can get away with anything.”
Huggins later added, “What it was was all those f***, those Catholic f***.”
Late this afternoon, Huggins released the following statement 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.”
West Virginia University released a statement following Huggins’ comments:
“Coach Huggins’ remarks today on a Cincinnati radio show were insensitive, offensive and do not represent our University values. Coach Huggins has since apologized. West Virginia University does not condone the use of such language and takes such actions very seriously. The situation is under review and will be addressed by the University and its athletics department.”
