Even though Steven Pearl is just in his first season with Auburn basketball, he has seen on a few occasions this year that players are expected to uphold the school’s standards.
Pearl just suspended Keyshawn Hall, a star forward. KeShawn Murphy was kept out of the starting lineup a few games later on Saturday after arriving late for a filming session. After the game on Saturday, Peal briefly discussed the Murphy matter; but, on Monday, he had more to say about Murphy’s and other disciplinary incidents.
He began by pointing out that Murphy had only been late to film once this year, claiming it was a “honest mistake.”
But he went on to explain that Auburn demands more of its athletes, particularly those who earn large NIL salaries. Pearl stated, “We have a standard.” “There will be norms and expectations if men are earning this much money. We will operate our program in this manner. “I’m not asking a lot,” Peal concluded.
For the Tigers, Pearl has consistently met this criteria throughout the season. Auburn’s chances against Arkansas the second time around were undoubtedly hampered by Hall sitting earlier in the season. Whatever you think of Pearl, he isn’t handling this matter lightly.
