Title: Bob Huggins Threatens Legal Action if Not Reinstated as West Virginia Head Coach
By Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer
July 10, 2023 (07:24 PM ET)
Bob Huggins, the former head coach of West Virginia University’s men’s basketball team, is now threatening to take legal action against the institution unless he is reinstated.
The potential legal battle between Huggins and the university has been intensifying, with Huggins releasing a statement on Monday alleging that he never submitted a resignation notice and, therefore, should still be employed as the head coach.
According to a June 17 announcement made by the university and attributed to Huggins, the coach was stepping down following his arrest on a charge of driving under the influence. This arrest came just six weeks after Huggins faced disciplinary actions for using an anti-gay slur in a radio interview, resulting in a suspension and a substantial salary reduction.
However, in his statement on Monday, Huggins claimed that he did not write or review the June 17 announcement, asserting that it was a false statement sent under his name but without his signature. He emphasized that he is still employed by West Virginia University and never submitted the required notice to voluntarily resign, as per his Employment Agreement.
Furthermore, Huggins stated that during a June 17 meeting with his players, he did not inform them of his decision to resign, merely stating that he was uncertain about what would transpire. Huggins voluntarily checked himself into a rehabilitation center and expressed his intention to remain there until he is cleared to return to coaching duties.
In response to an attorney representing Huggins, the university stated that they do not plan to reinstate the coach. Stephanie D. Taylor, vice president and general counsel for the university, warned that they would swiftly and aggressively defend themselves from any allegations suggesting that Huggins did not resign.
Huggins’ lawyer, David A. Campbell, countered Taylor’s response in another letter, highlighting that according to Huggins’ employment agreement, written notice of resignation must be sent to the school’s athletic director and general counsel. Campbell argued that an email from Huggins’ wife did not fulfill this requirement.
In a subsequent response, the university reiterated their position, stating that Huggins had resigned and that they would not reinstate him as the head coach. They described Campbell’s and Huggins’ assertions as “meritless” and “contrary to the documented evidence.”
The university provided a timeline that documented conversations and correspondence between the school and Huggins’ lawyer. According to this timeline, Huggins informed West Virginia on the night of June 17 that he intended to resign and retire, specifically instructing whether the university would accept his resignation via an email from his wife. The university also mentioned that Huggins informed his players on the same night about his decision to resign.
Taylor’s response stated that Huggins’ lawyer had reviewed and approved of the resignation announcement released by the university. She concluded that despite any technical discrepancies related to the Employment Agreement, the university had accepted Huggins’ resignation as requested by his counsel.
“At this point, WVU has accepted his unequivocal resignation, and there is no legal support for Mr. Huggins to now ignore his resignation and undo his voluntary separation,” Taylor wrote. “His return to work is not warranted or valid considering the circumstances.”
The situation between Bob Huggins and West Virginia University continues to escalate, leaving the fate of the men’s basketball team uncertain and potentially leading to a protracted legal battle.