West Virginia Coach Bob Huggins Uses Homophobic Slur on Radio Show

West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins is facing backlash after using a homophobic slur during a radio interview. The incident took place on a Cincinnati-based sports radio show where Huggins was asked about a recent game between his team and the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Huggins, known for his fiery coaching style, used the slur while discussing a Cincinnati player who he believed was faking an injury. The coach said, “He was just flopping around out there like a… well, I won’t say it, but you know what I mean.” The comment was immediately met with criticism from listeners and fans.

Huggins has since issued an apology, stating that he did not intend to use a derogatory term and that his words were taken out of context. “I understand that my comments were insensitive and hurtful to many people,” Huggins said in a statement. “I want to apologize to anyone who may have been offended by my words.”

Despite the apology, many are calling for Huggins to face disciplinary action. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has not yet commented on the incident, but it is possible that the organization could take action against Huggins.

The incident highlights the continued prevalence of homophobic language in sports. While many athletes, coaches, and fans have increasingly taken a stance against such language in recent years, incidents like this serve as a reminder that there is still much work to be done to create an inclusive and accepting sports culture.

In response to the incident, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have called for increased education and awareness around issues of homophobia and discrimination in sports. They have also called on sports organizations to take stronger disciplinary action when incidents like this occur.

In the meantime, Huggins has pledged to work to educate himself and his team on issues of discrimination and inclusion. “I know that I have a lot to learn and a lot of work to do to make amends for my words,” Huggins said. “I am committed to doing that work and to using my platform as a coach to promote a culture of inclusion and acceptance in sports.”