WVU's Bob Huggins 'under review' after using anti-gay slur in radio interview

After West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins used an anti-gay slur twice during a Cincinnati radio interview Monday morning, the university said the situation is under review.

In an interview on 700-AM WLW, Huggins used the expression “Catholic (expletives)” to refer to some Xavier fans while recalling a matchup in the rivalry between Xavier and Cincinnati while Huggins coached Cincinnati.

Huggins apologized in a statement released by the university. It read:

“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 followed with a statement of its own. It read:

“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.”

Huggins, 69, is the winningest active coach in college basketball with a 934–415 career record. He has been at West Virginia since 2007.