By Kayvon Ezami and Micah Leith
West Virginia University head men’s basketball coach Bob Huggins has resigned.
His resignation letter was submitted after he was arrested on DUI charges in Pittsburgh Friday night, with a blood alcohol concentration nearly three times the legal limit in Pennsylvania.
Huggins faced criticism last month for comments he made during a talk show, in which he used a slur to describe fans of Xavier University. Those comments got him suspended for the first three games of next season. Now, that suspension is meaningless.
“My recent actions do not represent the values of the University or the leadership expected in this role. While I have always tried to represent our University with honor, I have let all of you – and myself – down. I am solely responsible for my conduct and sincerely apologize to the University community – particularly to the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our program. I must do better, and I plan to spend the next few months focused on my health and my family so that I can be the person they deserve,” Huggins said in his resignation letter.
Huggins leaves behind a 345-203 record at West Virginia University and led the Mountaineers to the 2010 NCAA final four. He is an alum of WVU, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1977 and a master’s degree in 1978.
“On behalf of West Virginia University, we share our appreciation for his service to our University, our community and our state,” WVU President Gordon Gee and Vice President/Director of Athletics Wren Baker said in a joint statement. “During his time as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach, Coach Huggins devoted himself to his players, to our student body, to our fans and alumni and to all West Virginians. His contributions will always be a part of our history.”
According to a press release, the University will spend the coming days “solidifying leadership” of the men’s basketball program, and an interim head coach has not been named.
Huggins concluded his letter by thanking WVU supporters.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported our program over the years. It has meant more to me and my family than you could ever know,” he wrote.
