MORGANTOWN, WV — In a shocking development after a DUI charge a few weeks ago, distinguished West Virginia University basketball coach, Bob Huggins, tendered his resignation, well, sort of. Known fondly as “Huggy Bear,” the beloved figure left the Mountaineer community reeling, as he concluded an illustrious tenure peppered with over 900 wins, which at the time was the most in the nation for an active coach.
Adding to the unexpected departure, Huggins subsequently launched legal proceedings demanding reinstatement when his lawyer team out of Ohio sent a letter to the WVU administration. They stated that Huggins has been in rehab for his alcohol use, and that he is soon to be released from the rehab program. The legal team is also arguing that the original resignation was sent from his wife’s email account with no signatures and that it should not have been accepted by the administration of the school. Something else that muddies up the situation is that multiple people close to it think the DUI charge will be completely dropped. The whole thing started on Friday evening, July 7, but the news did not break until WV Metro-News personality, Hoppy Kercheval posted it online around 9:30 PM on Saturday night. His legal counsel also argues that the circumstances surrounding his resignation were flawed and that the coach was forced out of his position under duress.
The stunning resignation and ensuing legal wrangling have thrown WVU into the national spotlight in a very negative way. Supporters of the coach are rallying behind him, underlining his undeniable contribution to the institution, the basketball program, and the state itself. Detractors are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to Huggins’ departure. However, in viewing many comments across all social media platforms, a large percentage of supporters seem to be leaning the other direction mainly due to the fact that Huggins seems to want to take down WVU and the basketball program, a state and team he has always claimed to love so much.
A couple sources close to Huggins also mentioned that his plan all along has been to return to the team as head coach in January 2024, just in time for the start of Big 12 Conference play, but obviously after this weekend, that plan has taken a more serious and quicker step.
As the legal proceedings unfold, WVU finds itself in an unexpected predicament. Huggins’ towering presence in college basketball and his status as a WVU stalwart means the resolution of this situation will undoubtedly shape the future of Mountaineers basketball.
The Mountaineers are rumored to have a couple big-time transfers on their radar and received a commitment on Sunday morning from Florida State transfer Jeremiah Bembry, which eased some of the anxiety amongst fans that the situation will hurt immediate recruiting.
For now, the world of college basketball eagerly awaits the outcome of this unforeseen drama as WVU fans hope to get it resolved and over with quickly not only because of the school’s reputation, but for coach Huggins’ legacy as well, which right now is taking an unfortunate hit.
Comment below and let us know if you think Huggins should be reinstated, or should he ride off into the sunset and let the WVU basketball program begin a brand-new era.
Below are the emails sent from June Huggins (Bob’s wife) account and the acceptance reply email from athletic director, Wren Baker. These are screenshots from a public forum.
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