🚨 Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford Arrested on DUI Charge Ahead of 2025-26 Season
Tahaad Pettiford arrested — Auburn basketball star and potential SEC Player of the Year Tahaad Pettiford was arrested early Saturday morning on a DUI charge in Lee County, Alabama, according to jail records. The 19-year-old was released midday and is no longer listed in the jail’s inmate log, a source told ESPN.
🗣️ Auburn Responds to Pettiford’s Arrest
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl addressed the arrest on Saturday in a brief statement:
“We are aware of the situation, and we will handle it internally with Tahaad and his family,” Pearl told ESPN. “We take these matters seriously and will learn and grow from it moving forward.”
The university has not announced whether Pettiford will face disciplinary action or team suspension.
🔁 Timeline and Context: Pettiford’s Offseason Journey
This arrest comes just weeks after Pettiford withdrew from the NBA Draft, choosing instead to return to Auburn for his sophomore season. His return was seen as a major boost for the Tigers after the departure of Johni Broome, who helped lead the team to a Final Four run last season.
In his freshman year, Pettiford averaged 11.6 points per game, including 15.2 PPG during the NCAA Tournament. He was projected as a future first-round pick and a potential preseason All-American for the 2025–26 college basketball season.
“Going back to Auburn is a better situation for me,” Pettiford told ESPN earlier this offseason. “I see myself being a higher pick next year.”
🧠 What This Means for Auburn Basketball
Pettiford’s arrest adds early tension to a season where expectations are high. After an impressive freshman campaign, he was expected to become the face of the program. Auburn secured the No. 1 overall seed in last year’s tournament and looked primed for another deep run.
If disciplinary action follows, it could briefly derail the team’s offseason chemistry and leadership structure.
💬 Coach Pearl Praised Pettiford’s Maturity Last Season
Before the DUI incident, Coach Pearl had praised Pettiford’s humility and willingness to accept a supporting role on a team full of veterans.
“Not a word. Not a body language, shoulder shrug, roll eye ever from Tahaad,” Pearl said in April.
This arrest may test Pettiford’s maturity off the court, as he prepares to take on a much larger leadership role in 2025–26.
❓What Happens Next?
- Legal Process: Pettiford has been released, but court proceedings will follow.
- Team Action: Auburn may impose an internal suspension or discipline.
- Season Impact: Depending on the fallout, Pettiford’s preseason honors and NBA stock could be affected.
- Rehabilitation Path: A prompt apology, legal resolution, and focus on maturity could help the young star recover public trust.
🙋 FAQs
❓Why was Tahaad Pettiford arrested?
He was arrested on a DUI charge early Saturday morning in Lee County, Alabama.
❓Is Pettiford still in jail?
No. He was released midday Saturday and is no longer listed in the jail’s inmate log.
❓Will he be suspended by Auburn?
Coach Bruce Pearl said the matter will be handled internally. No public suspension has been announced yet.
❓What does this mean for his NBA Draft hopes?
It may temporarily impact his public image, but his on-court performance during the 2025–26 season will remain key.
