In 2010 Bruce Pearl showed the college basketball world what he was which brings to mind an insightful quote. American literary legend Maya Angelou said "When people show you who they are, believe them. "
During 2008-2010, Bruce Pearl revealed himself. He did not do so willingly. The reveal was an attempt to weather the storm over being fired by the University of Tennessee. The firing resulted from Pearl's violation of NCAA recruiting rules. During the NCAA's investigation, Pearl lied to investigators. Some spinning tried to turn lying into providing false information, and ultimately, that was the wording used by the NCAA.
The recruiting offense was a realtively minor one. A barbeque event at his home when recruits were on an unofficial visit. Like Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal, it was not the crime, but the coverup that was most damning.
In multiple old stories, Pearl reportedly not only lied but also persuaded assistant coaches to lie and tried to persuade a recruit's father to lie as well. For his assistants, the result was terminations, causing serious financial duress. Pearl left Knoxville with a big payday and quickly latched onto more dough as an ESPN commentator.
Auburn decided to hire Pearl despite his NCAA three-year 'Show Cause' being five months short of completion. Auburn forgave his mistakes before he stepped courtside again. Because Pearl is an outstanding coach, Auburn made a smart hiring decision. It might not have meshed with the Auburn Creed, but it was a sound business decision.
A few months ago, it was reported that Pearl was considering a run for public office. He subsequently decided to put that ambition on hold. Recently, Pearl has chosen to challenge the integrity of Alabama basketball coach, Nate Oats. Talking about the Charles Bediako controversy, Pearl said, "What it tells me is Nate doesn't really care about the SEC. He doesn't care about the NCAA. ... They (Alabama) didn't care about anybody else in the league. They didn't care about college basketball -- and I understand that. But if you don't want to be who you say we are, then don't act that way."
Bruce Pearl has no business telling any other coach how to act. Maybe Bruce is harboring resentment against Oats for six Alabama wins in the last 10 games Pearl coached in basketball's Iron Bowl.
Whatever motivates Pearl, he should shut up (a four-word phrase would be more precise but inappropriate for this site).