Xavier University president calls Bob Huggins’ homophobic comments ‘deplorable’

Xavier University president Colleen Hanycz rebuked West Virginia head basketball coach Bob Huggins and his homophobic comments about students at the school.

Huggins used homophobic slurs on a Cincinnati radio show earlier this week, calling Xavier fans ‘Catholic f**s’ live on air.

The radio hosts provoked said comments, making a joke about transgender people and then calling Huggins ‘the best’ after he said those slurs. 

‘The deplorable, mischaracterization, and homophobic slurs directed towards our LGBTQ+ and our Catholic communities were repulsive and offensive,’ Hanycz said while on campus.

‘To those in our Xavier family who were directly targeted and harmed by these hateful words, be assured you are invaluable members of our Xavier family, and you belong here. Your presence makes us better.’

On Monday, West Virginia coach Bob Huggins used homophobic slurs to describe Xavier fans

Xavier president Colleen Hanycz called Huggins’ comments ‘deplorable’ and ‘repulsive’

Huggins was suspended three games and docked a million dollars in pay for his comments

Hanycz also said that the school remains, ‘committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming campus where every member in this community is valued and respected.’ 

Earlier on Wednesday, Huggins was given a three-game suspension by the school and fined $1million via a salary reduction as a punishment.

He issued an official apology through the team’s social media accounts, saying he was ‘ashamed and embarrassed and heartbroken’ for those he hurt.

Reaction to the comments was swift and negative, with retired Gay NBA player John Amaechi calling Huggins a ‘dinosaur’.