An Unexpected Development Just Cast a Shadow Over Auburn Basketball's Offseason
Auburn basketball's offseason took a sudden and unwelcome turn over the weekend as rising star point guard Tahaad Pettiford was arrested Saturday morning in Lee County, Alabama, on suspicion of DUI.
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According to public records, the 19-year-old was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Though his blood alcohol concentration was not released, Alabama state law makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with a BAC of 0.02% or higher.
His bond was set at $1,000. At the time of this writing, Auburn has not issued a public statement regarding the arrest, and it remains to be seen if Pettiford will face disciplinary action from the program.
Pettiford's arrest comes at a time when expectations around Auburn basketball were sky-high. After a standout freshman season in which he averaged 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 22.9 minutes per game, helping the Tigers to their second Final Four in school history, Pettiford looked primed for a breakout sophomore year.
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He tested the 2025 NBA Draft waters and impressed scouts at the combine, posting a 42-inch vertical and a strong scrimmage performance. Still, he opted to return to the Plains, hoping to boost his draft stock even further in 2026.
Bruce Pearl had already hinted that Pettiford would take over as the team's starting point guard, stepping into a larger leadership role following key departures from last year's 32-win squad.
Auburn Tigers guard Tahaad Pettiford© Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Pettiford was expected to headline a reloaded roster that includes several transfers and newcomers, all working under the Tigers' new Nike partnership, which begins this season.
With the team set to take part in the Nike Exhibition Series this fall, fans were eager to see Pettiford in action again. Now, there's uncertainty hanging over one of Auburn's most important pieces. Whether this incident affects his role or availability remains unknown, but it has cast a shadow on what was shaping up to be an exciting new chapter for the program.
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Related: Tahaad Pettiford Makes Big NIL Splash Amid Auburn's Historic Season
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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