Challenges in the Life of Bruce Pearl in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Bruce Pearl faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Bruce Pearl is an American basketball coach, most recently at Auburn for 11 seasons. Before that, he coached at Tennessee, Milwaukee, and Southern Indiana. His career highlight includes leading Southern Indiana to a Division II national championship in 1995 and earning the title of Division II Coach of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1988: Recruiting scandal involving Illinois

During the 1988-89 basketball season, Bruce Pearl, then an assistant coach at Iowa, was at the center of a recruiting scandal involving Illinois. Pearl recorded a phone conversation with recruit Deon Thomas, alleging improper offers from Illinois. The NCAA investigation led to penalties for Illinois due to other violations.

2006: Tennessee's season highlights and recruiting class

In 2006, Tennessee led the SEC East for virtually the entire season, but lost 6 of its last 9 games and was upset in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Pearl drew accolades for signing one of the nation's best recruiting classes.

September 4, 2010: Start of Recruiting Restriction

September 4, 2010, marked the start of complete off-campus recruiting restrictions for Bruce Pearl as part of the sanctions imposed by Tennessee.

September 10, 2010: Pearl Acknowledges NCAA Violations

On September 10, 2010, Bruce Pearl acknowledged violations in the Aaron Craft affair and admitted lying to the NCAA. This led to sanctions from Tennessee, including a $1.5 million salary reduction and recruiting restrictions.

November 20, 2010: SEC Suspends Pearl

On November 20, 2010, the SEC ordered Bruce Pearl to sit out Tennessee's first eight SEC games as part of the sanctions related to NCAA violations.

March 21, 2011: Tennessee Fires Bruce Pearl

On March 21, 2011, Tennessee fired Bruce Pearl after finding out about additional NCAA violations and a violation of the school's substance abuse policy by a player.

August 23, 2011: Pearl Receives Show-Cause Penalty

On August 23, 2011, Bruce Pearl was given a three-year show-cause penalty for lying to the NCAA, effective until August 23, 2014.

2011: Tennessee Loses to Michigan in NCAA Tournament

In 2011, after controversy from an NCAA investigation, Tennessee had a poor performance and was defeated by Michigan in the second round of the 2011 NCAA tournament.