West Virginia has suspended Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach Bob Huggins for three games and amended his contract from a multi-year agreement to a year-by-year agreement, the university announced Wednesday. The new contract for Huggins, who made homophobic remarks Monday aimed at Xavier’s fanbase in a live appearance on a Cincinnati radio station, slashes $1 million from his salary and ends on April 30, 2024.
Huggins apologized just hours after his remarks in a statement, but the comments triggered an official review from the university that ultimately led to the suspension and a series of other stipulations for Huggins to follow moving forward.
“We will never truly know the damage that has been done by the words said in those 90 seconds,” read a statement signed by WVU president Gordon Gee and athletic director Wren Baker. “Words matter and they can leave scars that can never be seen. But words can also heal. And by taking this moment to learn more about another’s perspective, speak respectfully and lead with understanding, perhaps the words ‘do better’ will lead to meaningful change for all.”
The statement from Gee and Baker said the WVU athletic department will partner with the campus LGBTQ+ Center to formulate training sessions; training will be required for Huggins and all other WVU coaches. Huggins will also meet with LGBTQ+ leaders “from across West Virginia”
“Through those conversations, we expect Coach Huggins, in accordance with these partners, to engage in additional opportunities to show support for the LGBTQ+ community,” the statement said.
Huggins will also be required to work with the university’s Carruth Center for the purpose of raising awareness on how to support students’ health and well-being. The money from Huggins’ pay cut will be directed toward the university’s LGBTQ+ Center, the Carruth Center “and other state and national organizations that support…
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