'Time to cut ties': Twitter reacts after Bob Huggins charged with DUI
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After former University of Cincinnati basketball coach Bob Huggins was charged with DUI in Pittsburgh Friday night, people took to social media to comment on the incident as well as Huggins' future at West Virginia University.
Officers confronted Huggins Friday evening after a black SUV was spotted in the middle of the road with the driver's side door open and a flat, shredded tire, according to a police report.
Officers responded and asked Huggins to move the vehicle out of traffic. They noticed he was struggling and suspected he was intoxicated. Field sobriety tests were performed, which Huggins failed.
He was released from police custody after the drunken driving charge and is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing at a later date.
'No reason' for Huggins to remain WVU head coach
"There is no reason Bob Huggins should remain WVU’s head coach and I’ll be shocked if he still is by Monday morning. His behavior is not the kind of behavior WVU should want representing their program, never mind how many Halls of Fame he’s in," Dan Lucero, a sports broadcaster based in Topeka, Kansas, said in a tweet.
There is no reason Bob Huggins should remain WVU’s head coach and I’ll be shocked if he still is by Monday morning. His behavior is not the kind of behavior WVU should want representing their program, never mind how many Halls of Fame he’s in
— Dan Lucero (@danluceroshow) June 17, 2023
'Time to cut ties'
"Bob Huggins could have killed somebody. Time to cut ties," tweeted Keith Jouganatos, a reporter with WBNG in Johnson City, New York.
Bob Huggins could have killed somebody. Time to cut ties.
— Keith Jouganatos (@KeithJouganatos) June 17, 2023
Another Twitter user referenced a statement Huggins made in 2004 after he was charged with DUI in Cincinnati, which resulted in a suspension from his then-University of Cincinnati team.
“I made a very poor decision that's reflected negatively on the basketball program and the university. For that, I deeply regret it. I take responsibility for my actions. I'm going to do my part to make sure that something like this will never happen again." - Bob Huggins, 6/2004
— Marissa (@MarissaG_S_) June 17, 2023
'The negligence is astounding'
"I can't imagine how many times he's likely driven under the influence over the course of his life," Tim Ring, a sportscaster based in Phoenix, said in a tweet. "The negligence is astounding. I hope he never puts another life in danger again."
Bob Huggins had a DUI in 2004. Police found him with vomit all over the inside of his car. I can't imagine how many times he's likely driven under the influence over the course of his life. The negligence is astounding. I hope he never puts another life in danger again. https://t.co/pyf4zCOPQ0
— Tim Ring (@timringTV) June 17, 2023
'Lucky no one was killed'
"Nothing about this is funny or a 'mistake,'" tweeted Colin Dunlap, a broadcaster for 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. "Total ignorance and irresponsible and he’s lucky no one was killed."
Bob Huggins was in Pittsburgh but thought he was in Columbus, Ohio.
There were empty beer cans on the floor of his SUV.
He was driving around for hours.
Nothing about this is funny or a “mistake.” Total ignorance and irresponsible and he’s lucky no one was killed. pic.twitter.com/CdM3s01boo— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) June 17, 2023
West Virginia issues statement
Late Saturday morning, the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Department issued this statement:
"West Virginia University is aware of an incident last night involving Head Men's Basketball Coach Bob Huggins, for which he was charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in the City of Pittsburgh. We are gathering more information and will take appropriate action once the review is complete."
Huggins has been marred by controversy following his use of a homophobic slur during an an impromptu interview last month on the "Bill Cunningham Show" on 700WLW.
Because of the radio incident, West Virginia President E. Gordon Gee suspended Huggins for the first three games of the season and his contract has been amended to where it's year-by-year. Huggins and all current and future athletic coaches also have to attend training sessions with West Virginia's LGBTQ+ Center.
Enquirer reporter Scott Springer contributed.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bob Huggins DUI arrest: West Virginia University releases statement
