Did WVU Make the Right Call on Bob Huggins?
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On Wednesday, West Virginia University announced that it has suspended men's head basketball coach Bob Huggins for the first three games of the 2023-24 season in response to his inappropriate comments made on Bill Cunningham's WLW show in Cincinnati earlier this week.
Using the term, "Catholic f---" is completely unacceptable. It's something that should not be said in private, let alone on the air. His comments may have been directed at the fans of Xavier University but it was also extremely offensive to both the Catholic and LGBTQ+ communities.
Before today's announcement, I said a four or five-game suspension, a fine, and some sort of educational tool would be an appropriate combination of discipline. So, in theory, yes, I think the university got it right.
There had to be some sort of punishment handed down and I commend the decision-makers for doing so in a timely manner. It is a decision that is going to appease everyone? No, but in most situations like this, you're going to have a split reaction.
Everyone has scars. Everyone regrets something they did or said. Huggins is no different. He immediately apologized for his comments and took full responsibility for his actions and apologized once again Wednesday afternoon.
Personally, I don't believe a firing would have solved much of anything. For Huggins to continue coaching, he will be required to meet with leaders of WVU's LGBTQ+ Center, work closely with WVU's Carruth Center "to better understand the mental health crisis facing our college students," and donate $1 million to those organizations, plus a "substantial donation" to Xavier University.
By no means does this make up for what was said, but it is a step in the right direction, for sure.
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