College Basketball Coach Says Resignation Letter After DUI Was Sent by Wife, Wants to Be Reinstated

Former West Virginia men's basketball coach Bob Huggins, who announced his resignation last month after a DUI arrest, claims he never formally resigned and will sue the university if he is not given his job back.

According to MetroNews, attorneys for the 69-year-old requested his reinstatement in a letter to the university.

In the message, Huggins denies having sent his resignation to the university and challenges the notion that he voluntarily resigned based on what he asserts was a text message from his wife.

WVU, in a response cited by the outlet, insists that Huggins — who had been head coach at the school since 2007 — did resign and that they have moved on.

They point to a meeting between Huggins, the basketball staff, and student-athletes, where he announced his departure. They also mention written communication from Huggins to the university confirming his resignation and retirement.

The Messenger contacted WVU and Huggins' attorney, James A. Gianola, for comment on Sunday.

Per ESPN, the controversy surrounding Huggins began after his arrest for DUI in Pittsburgh. During the arrest, Huggins' blood alcohol content was 0.21%, nearly three times the legal limit.

On June 17, the university published a letter from Huggins on its website, where he appeared to apologize for the arrest and announce his resignation.

"My recent actions do not represent the values of the University or the leadership expected in this role," the letter read, in part. "While I have always tried to represent our University with honor, I have let all of you — and myself — down."

He continued: "I am solely responsible for my conduct and sincerely apologize to the University community — particularly to the student-athletes, coaches, and staff in our program. I must do better, and I plan to spend the next few months focused on my health and my family so that I can be the person they deserve."

ESPN reported that Huggins' attorney threatened a legal battle with the university over breach of contract and state and federal law violations.

In response, the university rejected Huggins' revocation of resignation and said it refused to reinstate him, vowing to defend itself aggressively from any allegations.

Weeks before the DUI arrest, Huggins had been suspended for three games for using an anti-gay slur during a radio interview.