CINCINNATI Huggins satisfies bosses, earns reinstatement

The coach will resume his duties at the end of August.
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Cincinnati basketball coach Bob Huggins will be reinstated at the end of August following his suspension for a drunken driving conviction.
"We are satisfied that coach Huggins has taken appropriate steps while under suspension," athletic director Bob Goin said at a news conference Thursday.
He said school president Nancy Zimpher and board of trustees chairman Phil Cox agreed with the decision to end Huggins' suspension Aug. 27.
Goin declined to say what steps Huggins had taken to be reinstated, saying it was a private matter. University officials talked with people who evaluated Huggins and received reports from them, he said.
"We believe that coach Huggins will rise to this challenge," Goin said. "The coach is, we believe, prepared to demonstrate his commitment to the university and to the athletics program, and we believe the best way to demonstrate that commitment is to put it into practice."
Huggins began a new three-year contract on July 1, Goin said.
What happened
Huggins was placed on paid, indefinite suspension June 12, following his arrest for driving under the influence.
The 50-year-old coach pleaded no contest, was fined $350 and given a suspended six-month jail sentence that required him to attend a three-day education course.
"I'm deeply appreciative of the way the university handled my situation and allowed me the opportunity to return to the role I love," Huggins said in a statement. "It's allowed me time to reflect on changes that certainly I can make personally and professionally that will do nothing but continue to help the mission here at the University of Cincinnati."
Huggins left the news conference without taking questions.
Top assistant Dan Peters is the team's coach until Huggins returns.
Huggins, the Bearcats' coach since 1989, has taken the Bearcats to 13 consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament. He had a heart attack in September 2002 but didn't miss any games.