Bob Huggins Apologizes for Use of Anti-LGBTQ Slur on Cincinnati Radio Show

West Virginia men’s basketball head coach Bob Huggins released a statement Monday apologizing for using an anti-LGBTQ slur during a radio appearance earlier in the day.

While appearing on the Bill Cunningham Show on 700 WLW, Huggins described Xavier fans as “Catholic f--s” in a discussion about the Crosstown Shootout rivalry between Cincinnati and the Musketeers.

“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,” his statement read. “During the conversation, I used a completely abhorrent phrase that there is simply no excuse for—and I won’t try to make one here. I deeply apologize to anyone I have offended, as well as to the Xavier University community, the University of Cincinnati and West Virginia University.”

The conversation included a back-and-forth between Huggins and the hosts about the rivalry from when Huggins coached Cincinnati.

“I tell you what, any school that can throw rubber penises on the floor and then say they didn’t do it. By God, they can get away with anything,” Huggins initially said.

Then, after a host asked if that occurred on “transgender night,” Huggins added, “It was the Crosstown Shootout, what it was, was all those f--s, those Catholic f--s, they were envious they didn’t have one.”  

Huggins added he will accept whatever punishment the university decides is appropriate.

“There are consequences for our words and actions, and I will fully accept any coming my way,” he wrote. “I am ashamed and embarrassed and heartbroken for those I have hurt. I must do better, and I will.”

West Virginia has not announced any consequences for Huggins yet, as the school will review the situation first.

“Coach Huggins’ remarks today on a Cincinnati radio show were insensitive, offensive and do not represent our university values,” the school said in a statement. “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 coached at Cincinnati for 16 years and has now been at West Virginia for the past 16 seasons as well.