Tahaad Pettiford, one of Auburn’s top returning players next season, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of DUI. The sophomore point guard and former five-star recruit was stopped in Lee County, Alabama, according to the sheriff’s office database. Bond was set at $1,000.

“We are aware of the situation, and we will handle it internally with Tahaad and his family,” said Auburn coach Bruce Pearl. “We take these matters seriously and will learn and grow from it moving forward.”

Pettiford averaged 11.6 points per game last season as a first-year standout, aiding the Tigers in reaching the Final Four. Prior to withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft in May, Pearl praised his potential impact on the upcoming team should he return.

“He’ll be a starter. There will be more on him,” said Pearl in reference to Pettiford’s expanded role.

According to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, Pettiford had a lucrative NIL package back at Auburn reportedly worth over $2 million. He returned to the Plains this summer after not receiving a first-round grade at the NBA Combine.

With several key players leaving after a successful season, Auburn has recruited multiple transfers to support Pettiford, including forward Keyshawn Hall from UCF, big man KeShawn Murphy from Mississippi State, guard Kevin Overton from Texas Tech, and wing Elyjah Freeman from Lincoln Memorial. Additionally, JUCO recruits Abdul Bashir and center Emeka Opurum will bolster the roster.