By Bill Koch
The Cincinnati Enquirer

University of Cincinnati basketball coach Bob Huggins must vacate his university office as well as forgo his university-furnished automobile and discretionary expense account while he's suspended, according to a statement released Wednesday by UC president Nancy Zimpher.

HUGGINS ARRESTED

Previous coverage: • Suspended Huggins still unsure of terms for return • Huggins fined, loses his license • Huggins stop not his first • Huggins' return unclear • UC puts Huggins on leave • Tape implies prior stop • Discretion has guidelines • Bearcats lose identity • Stress, crises took toll • Bearcats stand by mentor • Goin statement • DUI is a blessing Related links: Video of court appearance 6/12 conference Police in-cruiser video 6/11 conference • View the police report

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In addition, Huggins, who pleaded no contest to driving under the influence Tuesday night in Fairfax Mayor's Court, is not permitted to have any involvement in his summer basketball youth camp, which is under way this week at Fifth Third Arena, nor can he represent the university in any capacity.

Huggins was suspended indefinitely with pay by Zimpher and UC athletic director Bob Goin on Saturday following Huggins' June 8 arrest.

During his suspension, the statement said, Huggins' compensation will include only his base salary plus benefits.

Huggins' base salary is $185,000. With incentives, his contract guarantees him $1 million a year in total compensation, "including all benefits and internal and external revenue such as revenue from shoe and clothing apparel, camps, speaking engagements and endorsements."

He receives $140,000 for TV-radio obligations, plus UC makes a $305,000 annual payment to an annuity for him.

Huggins cannot participate in any activities that involve reimbursement from university resources and cannot help with recruiting or have contact with his players or athletic department staff members, including interim head coach Dan Peters, a longtime Huggins friend.

"It will be extremely difficult," Peters said.

According to Zimpher's statement: "Athletics Director Goin and I regret the necessity of having to take this action. Yet, as we have said previously, this suspension is not simply for disciplinary reasons; but should also be viewed as an opportunity for Coach Huggins to reflect, re-energize and update his life and family priorities. We believe this can occur only if the coach completely removes himself from the demands of the basketball program, and takes this suspension seriously.

"Our expectations going forward for UC's athletic program is (sic) to continue to realize its full potential as a compliment (sic) to the university's ambitious academic plan. Accordingly, our athletic program must continue to reflect the highest integrity of the university.

"We can make no exceptions to that goal. In respect for the 15 years of service and success Mr. Huggins has rendered to the university, it is our sincere hope that he can meet the expectations that will be set forth for his return to the program. We appreciate the interest of the campus community as to the next steps in this matter and will communicate them as they unfold."

Greg Hand, UC's public relations director, said Zimpher, who was out of town Monday and Tuesday, would not take questions about the Huggins situation but felt she needed to address it.

"She's had quite a number of requests," Hand said, "and an impossible schedule."

E-mail bkoch@enquirer.com