Topline
West Virginia University basketball coach Bob Huggins—who just a month ago drew fire for using an anti-gay slur during a radio interview—was arrested and charged with driving under the influence on Friday night, according to Pittsburgh police.
West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins was arrested for driving under the influence.
Key Facts
Huggins, 69, was arrested in the Allegheny West neighborhood in Pittsburgh on Friday night, according to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, after Huggins’ vehicle—which had a flat and shredded tire—was found parked in the middle of the road, the driver’s side door open, blocking traffic.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by CBS Sports, Huggins’ blood alcohol content was 0.21%, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08% in Pennsylvania.
Huggins—who said he thought he was in “Columbus”—failed multiple breathalyzer and field sobriety tests, police wrote, and he was unable to explain why his tire was shredded.
Police discovered empty beer cans in a garbage bag inside Huggins’ car, with more empty bottles in the trunk.
West Virginia’s athletic department said it would “take appropriate action” once a review is completed.
Huggins previously came under fire for using an anti-gay slur during a radio interview last month, after which Huggins agreed to a three-game suspension, sensitivity training and a $1 million salary cut, according to the university.
Surprising Fact
Huggins was previously arrested for driving under the influence in 2004. Huggins, then the head coach for the University of Cincinnati men’s basketball team, was suspended indefinitely without pay. Huggin’s 16-year stint at Cincinnati ended a year later, after he was told he would be fired if he didn’t resign, according to ESPN.
Crucial Quote
West Virginia University President Gordon Gee and athletic director Wren Baker said in a joint statement last month the university “made it explicitly clear to coach Huggins that any incidents of similar derogatory and offensive language will result in immediate termination.”
Key Background
Huggins has won more games than any other active NCAA Division 1 head coach. According to WVU, he’s compiled a nearly 70% winning record over 41 seasons as a head coach. He has spent the last 16 at WVU, where he’s an alumnus. Huggins was interviewed by a Cincinnati-area radio station last month, when he mentioned an incident when “rubber penises” were thrown onto the court. Huggins said, “What it was, was all those f—, those Catholic f—, I think.” Huggins later issued an apology, indicating the slur he used was “completely insensitive.”
Further Reading
Bob Huggins—West Virginia Coach Who Used Anti-Gay Slur—Reportedly Will Keep Job (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/06/17/west-virginia-coach-huggins-arrested-for-dui-1-month-after-using-anti-gay-slur/