Steven Pearl Throws Shade at Tennessee After SEC Tournament Loss

Steven Pearl, currently serving as an assistant coach at Auburn University under his father, Bruce Pearl, recently made headlines with his remarks about the Tennessee Volunteers following their loss to Mississippi State in the SEC tournament.

Despite the passage of time, it seems Pearl’s feelings toward his former team remain unchanged.

The incident occurred after Auburn’s victory over South Carolina in the SEC tournament quarterfinals. During an interview with the Auburn radio network, the conversation shifted to Auburn’s upcoming opponent, Mississippi State, who had just defeated Tennessee. Instead of discussing the Bulldogs, Pearl took the opportunity to throw shade at Tennessee, his alma mater.

“I was walking to the game today and some Tennessee fans asked me if I was going to a barbecue, trying to throw a little shade,” Pearl remarked. “And that’s what we watched, Mississippi State barbecued Tennessee.”

Pearl’s comment alludes to a significant event in his father’s coaching career at Tennessee. In 2008, Bruce Pearl hosted a barbecue at his home for high school recruits, which ultimately led to NCAA violations and his dismissal from the Tennessee program in 2011.

The fallout from this incident, combined with subsequent violations, tarnished Bruce Pearl’s tenure at Tennessee and strained the relationship between the Pearls and the university.

Despite playing for Tennessee from 2007 to 2011 and experiencing on-court success with two Sweet Sixteen appearances and an Elite Eight trip, Steven Pearl harbours lingering resentment toward the program. Since joining Auburn’s coaching staff, he has remained vocal about his disapproval of Tennessee’s handling of his father’s departure.

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As Tennessee awaits its NCAA tournament fate, Steven Pearl’s comments serve as a reminder of the lingering tensions between the Pearls and the Volunteers.

Despite the passage of thirteen years since Bruce Pearl’s departure from Tennessee, Steven’s allegiance to Auburn and his disdain for his former program remain palpable.