Auburn Basketball Star Tahaad Pettiford Arrested for DUI in Alabama: Coach Bruce Pearl Issues Statement

Auburn's 19-year-old star guard Tahaad Pettiford has been arrested in Lee County, Alabama, on suspicion of DUI in the early hours of July 12, 2025. As he's under the age of 21, any blood-alcohol content above 0.02% in Alabama is illegal; however, the specific BAC level hasn’t been released. He was booked around midnight and later posted a $1,000 bond and released .

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🏀 Coach Bruce Pearl Responds

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl issued a statement:

“We are aware of the situation, and we will handle internally with Tahaad and his family. We take these matters seriously and will learn and grow from it moving forward.” 

The statement signals a serious but private approach: the program will address this matter internally and expects Pettiford and the team to "learn and grow" from the incident .

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📋 Pettiford’s Background & Athletic Status

• Averaged 11.6 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 rebounds across 38 games last season.

• Was a key contributor to Auburn’s Final Four run; made SEC All-Freshman and NCAA All-Region teams .

• Explored the NBA draft, performed notably (including a 42‑inch vertical leap), but chose to return to Auburn; entered the 2024 class as a five-star recruit (#29 overall, #2 PG).

• Carries an NIL deal reportedly worth over $2 million .

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🚨 What’s Next?

• Legal path: He'll face DUI proceedings in Lee County. Under-21 DUI penalties in Alabama can include license suspension, fines, and required counseling .

• Team discipline: Pearl’s comment suggests Auburn will determine an internal, possibly private, consequence after consulting with Pettiford and his family.

• Team impact: With Pettiford expected to be the cornerstone of Auburn’s 2025–26 campaign, this incident comes at a critical time for both his role and the program's image .

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✅ Summary

• Arrested early July 12 for DUI; bond posted, charged under under-21 law.

• Coach Pearl emphasizes confidentiality and accountability.

• Next steps include legal proceedings, team discipline, and potential impact on Auburn’s season.

Let me know if you'd like a deeper dive into Alabama DUI laws or Auburn’s internal disciplinary history.