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Bruce Pearl resigned while the Auburn Tigers Monday, men’s head basketball coach, and a longtime ESPN broadcaster was quite happy with the news.
“Forgive the Interruption” host Michael Wilbon called Pearl a “divisive person” and hoped there was “pressure” to get him off the show.
“He had become a divisive person, it seems to me intentionally. And I hope there was pressure to get him out,” Wilbon said.
Pearl appeared on “The Will Cain Show” Monday and offered a response to Wilbon, which he said he “loved,” adding that a “dear friend” of Wilbon’s reached out and said Wilbon’s feelings were “probably political” and “not anti-Semitic.”
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Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl signals to players against the Florida Gators in the first half in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. (Images Bob Donnan / Imagn)
“I was a regular at” pardon the interruption. “And I love Tony and Mike and have had great relationships with them…if there’s anything I’m not divided about.
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl reacts after a missed free throw during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. (Images Jordan Prather-imagn)
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“I wasn’t forced out. I love Auburn. I love the opportunity now to be able to do things for faith and family and our country, to be an advocate for Israel, an advocate for education. I can’t wait to be able to do those things while my son wins basketball games.”
Pearl, who is Jewish, expressed fervent support for Israel amid rising anti-Semitism in the United States since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. He has been a supporter of how the president Donald Trump also managed conflicts in the Middle East.
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl celebrates the victory after the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neville Arena. (John Reed-iMagn Images)
Pearl was one of the university’s most successful basketball coaches. He was 246-125 as head coach of the Tigers and led the team to two Final Four appearances.
