Tahaad Pettiford, one in every of Auburn’s prime returning gamers subsequent season, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of DUI. The sophomore level guard and former five-star was stopped in Lee County, Alabama, per the sheriff’s workplace database. Bond was set at $1,000.
“We’re conscious of the scenario, and we are going to deal with internally with Tahaad and his household,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl mentioned in an announcement. “We take these issues critically and can be taught and develop from it shifting ahead.”
Pettiford averaged 11.6 factors per sport final season as a first-year star, serving to the Tigers attain the Last 4. Previous to Pettiford withdrawing his title from the 2025 NBA Draft in Could, Pearl raved about his potential and affect on the 2025-26 group if he selected to return.
“Je’s going to must play an expanded position, which I do know is one thing that’s thrilling to him — and doubtless thrilling to our fan base, too, as a result of we’ll get to see extra of him,” Pearl mentioned, through Auburn Undercover. “He’ll be a starter. There can be extra on him.”
In accordance with CBS Sports activities’ Matt Norlander, Pettiford “had a strong NIL package deal awaiting again at Auburn” on a deal believed to be price greater than $2 million. He returned to the Plains this summer time after failing to get a first-round grade following his efficiency on the NBA Mix.
With heavy personnel losses coming off the incredible season, Auburn has added a number of transfers to bolster the roster round Pettiford, together with ahead Keyshawn Corridor (UCF), massive man KeShawn Murphy (Mississippi State), guard Kevin Overton (Texas Tech) and wing Elyjah Freeman (Lincoln Memorial). JUCO pickups Abdul Bashir and heart Emeka Opurum will assist, too.