National Basketball Media Give Thoughts on Bob Huggins’ Actions

Following Bob Huggins’ insensitive comments on a Cincinnati radio station, WV Sports Now reached out to national media members in college basketball to get their thoughts on the situation.

Huggins earlier on Monday made anti-gay comments toward Xavier fans, when asked about the Crosstown Shootout rivalry between XU and Cincinnati. Huggins has since apologized for his actions with a statement. West Virginia University Athletics also commented on the situation.

Jay Bilas, ESPN:

“I’m stunned by these damaging and offensive comments. What West Virginia’s leadership does in response is up to them, however, the actions West Virginia takes will clearly reveal its true values to all.”

Michael DeCourcy, Sporting News:

“I’m just baffled. He is an intelligent person and understands what the consequences of something like this can be — for himself and those impacted directly by that slur. I believe he owes the public far more than the apology offered later Monday.”

Jeff Goodman, Stadium:

“He made a mistake. It was obviously something that he and the school needs to take seriously. Personally, I have a ton of respect for Bob Huggins — not just as a coach, but as a person. He came out immediately and apologized. Sometimes, these are learning lessons for all of us. I hope the school doesn’t overreact and fire him for this.”

Doug Gottlieb, Fox Sports:

“The crosstown rivalry is probably the nastiest, most competitive yearly showdown in college basketball. Huggs used a word that is now off limits. He apologized, we should move on. While the word is no longer acceptable, it is used in the context of sports banter often, especially by fans for the last 50 years. In time we’ll evolve out of using this word, but not through running a legendary figure off his post.”

Dan Wolken, USA Today:

“This is an easy call. Any company in America with a public-facing employee making the same comments would fire them by the end of the day. There is no justification for holding a basketball coach to a different standard.”