Auburn Basketball Star Tahaad Pettiford Arrested for DUI

Tahaad Pettiford, a key player for Auburn basketball and a contender for the SEC Player of the Year in the 2025-26 season, was arrested early Saturday morning in Lee County, Alabama, on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI). According to jail logs, Pettiford, 19, was released later that day and is no longer listed as an inmate.

Auburn's Response

Auburn coach Bruce Pearl issued a statement to ESPN, acknowledging the incident. "We are aware of the situation, and we will handle it internally with Tahaad and his family," Pearl said. "We take these matters seriously and will learn and grow from it moving forward."

Pettiford's Apology

Later that evening, Pettiford took to Instagram to apologize for his actions. "Last night, I made a serious mistake and one that I take full responsibility for. My actions put myself and others at risk, and for that, I'm deeply sorry. There is no excuse," he wrote. "To my family, teammates, coaches, and fans, I know I've let you down. I understand the disappointment and concern that this has caused, and I want you to know that I'm taking this seriously. This is not who I am, and not who I will be."

Impact on Pettiford's Career

Pettiford's arrest comes just weeks after he withdrew from the NBA draft to return to Auburn. He averaged 11.6 points per game (PPG) in his freshman season, helping Auburn secure the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament and reach the Final Four. Pettiford is seen as the cornerstone of Auburn's next chapter following the departure of star player Johni Broome.

Looking Ahead

Despite the setback, Pettiford remains a top prospect for the 2025-26 season. He averaged 15.2 PPG in five NCAA tournament games and is on a short list of players who could be preseason All-Americans. Coach Pearl has previously praised Pettiford's humility and team-first attitude, which will be crucial as he works to regain trust and focus on his basketball career.

Conclusion

While Pettiford's arrest is a significant incident, it also presents an opportunity for growth and redemption. Auburn basketball and its fans will be watching closely to see how Pettiford handles this challenge and continues to develop as a player and a person.