Bob Huggins says he didn't resign from WVU, threatens legal action if not reinstated
Weeks after the drama between West Virginia and Bob Huggins seemed like it might be in the rearview, a new wrinkle emerged Saturday.
According to Hoppy Kercheval of the West Virginia MetroNews, Huggins' lawyer sent a letter to the university and president E. Gordon Gee, claiming he never resigned from his post as head coach of the men's basketball program and demanding reinstatement. Huggins also threatened to sue the school should his request go unanswered.
"Based on press statements, it appears that WVU is taking the position that Coach Huggins voluntarily resigned and terminated the Employment Agreement in advance of April 30, 2024," the letter reads. "However, although the press statements purport to have resignation communications directly from Coach Huggins to you and/or the Athletic Director, Coach Huggins has never communicated his resignation to you, the Athletic Director, or anyone at WVU."
The letter also details how Huggins plans to return to his active duties as head coach at WVU and does not "desire litigation" and only wants to clear up what his side believes was a miscommunication.
University vice president and general counsel Stephaine Taylor responded to the letter, confirming that Huggins had indeed offered the school his resignation and that the head coach had met with members of his staff and student-athletes to announce the decision. Furthermore, WVU made its stance clear on a possible future for Huggins on the Mountainers' sidelines.
"Notwithstanding any response, and in no uncertain terms, the University will not accept Mr. Huggins' revocation of his resignation, nor will it reinstate him as head coach of the men's basketball program," Taylor wrote. "Moreover, if Mr. Huggins or his counsel attempts to publicly suggest that he somehow did not resign and retire from his position, please be advised that the University will swiftly and aggressively defend itself from these spurious allegations."
Following a storied career at WVU, it all ended in embarrassment for Huggins. In May, Huggins came under fire for using an anti-gay slur during a radio interview, resulting in a suspension and a $1M reduction in salary.
Then, in mid-June, Huggins resigned from the program after being arrested for a DUI in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Huggins' blood alcohol level was reportedly over .23 at the time of his arrest and the former head coach allgedly believed he was driving in Columbus, Ohio.
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