WVU donor directs funds away from athletic department following Bob Huggins's radio comments

Bob Huggins received a slap on the wrist from West Virginia for his controversial comments on a Cincinnati radio show last week. Mountaineers donor Jonathan Adkins took notice.

"It's painful as a longtime supporter of WVU to see this situation," Adkins told WVSportsNow. He said that while he'll continue to donate to West Virginia, "I'm directing my donations away from the Athletic Department toward other parts of the University."

"I've been in touch with WVU as a donor and a gay man. I'm disappointed in how they have handled this, but hope for the best," he continued.

Last Monday during an appearance on WLW radio, Huggins twice referred to Xavier University fans using a slur. He apologized later in the day via a statement. In his apology, Huggins said, "There are consequences for our words and actions and I will fully accept any coming my way."

Two days later, the university announced his punishment. West Virginia docked Huggins $1 million per year on his contract which was amended to a "year-by-year agreement" instead of a multi-year deal, suspended him for three games and will require him to undergo sensitivity training. 

While other higher-ups may have gotten fired for what Huggins said, the fact that the Hall of Fame coach recruited one of the top incoming transfer portal classes in basketball likely influenced the university's decision to slap him on the wrist instead. Per CBS Sports, West Virginia is the only program to sign two players in the top 10 in the transfer portal this offseason.

As WVSN notes, one donor won't have too large of an impact on West Virginia athletics. But Adkins's decision shows Huggins won't get off as easy as the university would have liked.