West Virginia’s Bob Huggins Apologizes for Using Homophobic Slur on Radio Show

West Virginia’s head basketball coach Bob Huggins has apologized after using a homophobic slur during a recent radio interview. The incident occurred on the “Bob Huggins Show,” a weekly program where Huggins discusses the state of his team with the host. During the interview, Huggins used a term that has long been considered derogatory towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Huggins, who has been the head coach of West Virginia’s basketball team since 2007, immediately apologized for his comments. “I am sorry for what I said and I take full responsibility for my words,” he said in a statement released by the university’s athletic department. “I know they were hurtful and offensive, and I deeply regret using them.”

The slur used by Huggins has not been disclosed by either the coach or the university. However, the incident has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and liberal Democrats, who accused the coach of using language that is harmful to minority communities.

This is not the first time that Huggins has come under fire for his use of language. In 2013, the coach was criticized for making a similar remark during a game against Texas Tech. Huggins was also accused of making intolerant comments towards Muslim players during his time at Kansas State University in the early 2000s.

West Virginia’s athletic department has not yet announced any disciplinary action against Huggins for his recent comments. However, the university has emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion in response to the incident.

“We do not condone or tolerate language that demeans or invalidates any person or group,” the university said in a statement. “Bob Huggins has apologized for his words and we will be working with him to ensure that incidents like this do not occur in the future.”

The incident comes amid a growing national conversation about diversity and inclusivity in sports. In recent years, numerous high-profile athletes and coaches have spoken out about the need for greater representation and acceptance in the world of sports.

While some have criticized Huggins for his comments, others have defended the coach, arguing that he was simply using language that he may not have understood to be hurtful. Regardless of intent, however, Huggins has acknowledged the harm his words may have caused and has taken responsibility for his actions.

“I will do better and work harder to be a more compassionate and inclusive coach,” he said in his statement. “I know my words have consequences and I will do everything in my power to ensure that they are always positive and supportive.”