Huggins apologizes for saying a homophobic comment on radio

WHEELING - West Virginia University men's basketball coach Bob Huggins was not in attendance Monday night as the WVU Coaches Caravan rolled into Ohio County on the first of four consecutive nightly appearances around the Mountain State.

Huggins was scheduled to appear as part of an event at Oglebay Park's Pine Room which was sponsored by the local Belmont-Mountaineer Athletic Club.

However, earlier Monday Huggins made a homophobic comment on a Cincinnati radio program about fans of Cincinnati-based Xavier University. Huggins coached at the University of Cincinnati from 1989-2005. The two schools are crosstown rivals.

West Virginia University Athletic Director Wren Baker was asked before entering the Pine Room if had anything to say concerning Huggins.

"We (West Virginia University) put out a statement earlier tonight and you guys saw coach's statement," Baker said. "We really don't have anything else at this time. I was driving on my way here, so I haven't really haven't had a chance to get all the facts or information. As soon as we do, we'll have a follow up."

When asked if he had spoken to Coach Huggins following the incident, Baker acknowledged that he had but didn't go into detail.

"Just briefly," he said.

Huggins has since issued an apology via twitter and said he will accept any sanctions handed down by West Virginia University officials.

"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," the veteran head coach said in a statement. "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," he added. "I am ashamed and embarrassed and heartbroken for those I have hurt. I must do better, and I will."

WVU's athletic department also released a separate statement, acknowledging Huggins' apology.

"Coach Huggins' remarks today on a Cincinnati radio show were insensitive, offensive and do not represent our university values. Coach Huggins has since apologized," the statement read. "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 has served as West Virginia's head men's basketball coach since 2007, and is currently the active career wins leader in Division I men's basketball. He recorded his 700th victory last season and was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September.

B-MAC Director John S. Marshall said he received a telephone call late Monday afternoon notifying him that Huggins wouldn't be attending the social event.

"He had a scheduling conflict," Baker reported.