Bruce Pearl sparks outrage: ‘Incredibly fitting’

Former Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl, who now serves as a college basketball television analyst, has turned into the face of the anti-Miami RedHawks crusade. The RedHawks finished the regular season as the only undefeated men’s team in Division I.

Unfortunately for the RedHawks, they were upset in the first round of the MAC tournament by the UMass Minutemen. However, in a change of tune, Pearl is now vouching for Hawks to be included in the NCAA Tournament with an at-large bid, and saying that it was merely ‘propaganda’ that made people think he was rooting against them.

“In spite of the recent propaganda I’ve always been a mid major guy. I think a 1 loss Miami of Ohio team should get in! I don’t think they are one of the best 37 at large teams, but are 1 of the most deserving Good for the MAC, Cinderella and March madness,” Pearl wrote on Twitter following Miami’s loss.

In spite of the recent propaganda I've always been a mid major guy. I think a 1 loss Miami of Ohio team should get in! I don't think they are one of the best 37 at large teams, but are 1 of the most deserving Good for the MAC, Cinderella and March madness @CBSSports @TNTSportsUS https://t.co/BDYmkbmGbj

— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) March 12, 2026

Fans took exception to Pearl’s tweet.

“Calling your own words ‘propaganda’ is incredibly fitting for you,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“You had a great team at Milwaukee, at Tennessee you wanted to play Chattanooga and other mid-majors on the road, and at Auburn you were also willing to go on the road and play non-powers. I was kinda shocked when you initially took a dump on Miami. I believe you,” someone else added.

“Bruce, the words you speak out of your mouth isn’t propaganda — it’s just your words. Hope this helps,” one fan added.

It’ll be interesting to see if the RedHawks hear their name called on Sunday.