West Virginia head basketball coach Bob Huggins has made the decision to step down from his position shortly after being arrested for driving under the influence. This incident marks the latest in a string of controversies involving the long-time coach. Just a month ago, Huggins was suspended for three games due to his use of a homophobic slur during a radio interview, and he further stirred up controversy by expressing his thoughts on Catholicism in the same interview. The university confirmed Huggins’ resignation on Saturday night.
Huggins, who is 69 years old, currently ranks third on the all-time Division I coaches winning list, with 935 career victories. He is surpassed only by Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski and Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, who have 1,202 and 998 wins respectively. Despite his impressive record, Huggins has never won a national title, although he did lead Cincinnati to the Final Four in 1992 and West Virginia in 2010.
This is not the first time Huggins has faced legal trouble related to drinking and driving. After serving as the head coach at Cincinnati for 16 years, he was fired in 2005 following a DUI arrest and a power struggle with the school’s president. Huggins then took on the head coaching role at West Virginia, his alma mater, in 2007.
In his recent incident, Huggins was charged with DUI after his vehicle came to a stop in the middle of traffic in Pittsburgh. A breath test revealed that his blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit. Huggins has since been released from custody and is expected to appear for a preliminary hearing.
In a statement addressing the West Virginia community, Huggins expressed his resignation and intention to retire as head coach immediately. He acknowledged that his recent actions do not align with the university’s values and the leadership expected of him. Huggins took responsibility for his conduct and apologized to the university community, particularly the student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the basketball program. He emphasized his commitment to improving his health and focusing on his family in the coming months.
Despite the controversies surrounding Huggins, he expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team at his alma mater. He considers Morgantown, West Virginia, his home and will always be a proud Mountaineer. Huggins thanked everyone who has supported the basketball program over the years, recognizing the impact it has had on him and his family.
The university has yet to announce a replacement for Huggins, but the athletic department is dedicated to supporting the student-athletes and ensuring strong leadership for the basketball program. It remains to be seen how this resignation will impact the future of West Virginia basketball.
In conclusion, Bob Huggins’ resignation as head basketball coach at West Virginia University amidst a DUI arrest is another chapter in a controversial career. While Huggins has achieved impressive success on the court, his off-court behavior has marred his legacy. Despite his resignation, it is clear that his impact on the university and the sport of basketball will not be forgotten.
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