With no experience of playing high school or college basketball, Bruce Pearl has written his story in his own way. From being a student manager at the Boston Celtics to building a SEC powerhouse, a lot of sacrifices followed that journey. He has etched his name as one of the successful coaches with a 704-267 (.725) across NCAA Division I and Division II. But there is a chink in the armor.
This issue is not related to his current team, the Auburn Tigers, but his previous Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team. His stint with the Vols ended on a sour note as they imposed sanctions to the then HC and his entire staff of a whooping $1.5 million in salary reduction. He was later fired after the team’s blowout loss to Michigan State! Yes, the same team his Tigers are facing for a sport in the Elite Eight. But what were the charges? Let’s dive deep into the issue.
Bruce Pearl and his tainted history with the Tennessee
From 2005 to 11, he led the Volunteers to the Big Dance every single season. However, the firing did not happen overnight because of a loss, but it was due to recruiting violations. The player in question was Aaron Craft, who was a high school senior in 2010. Ahead of Craft’s junior year in 2008, he made an unofficial visit to the university. Per NCAA regulations, recruits on unofficial visits are not permitted to be at the home of a head coach, but Pearl hosted Craft and his family for a cookout during the weekend. He was aware of the violations taking place.
Making matters worse, when the NCAA’s investigation began, Bruce Pearl encouraged those in attendance not to speak of the cookout! Plus, he lied to the NCAA about the incident and called Craft’s father to ask him to lie!
This is a developing story.
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