Pearl’s replies evasive

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl wanted to talk about his team, the season and anything but the federal bribery investigation that has ensnared his top assistant and engulfed the sport.

On Friday, Pearl would say only that the alleged behavior leading to the arrest of suspended associate head coach Chuck Person on federal fraud and bribery charges Tuesday “is unacceptable.”

He steered clear of the topic after that, making it a fairly short news conference. In his first public comments since Person’s arrest, Pearl said he stood by the university’s initial statement, adding “I can’t and I won’t have any further comment.”

But the questions kept coming, and Pearl dodged them all.

He was asked 16 questions during a 10-minute news conference before Auburn’s first preseason practice, and only the last one was unrelated to the investigation. He repeatedly tried to turn the focus back to his team and the opening of practice. All the players on the roster were on the court.

Asked if he would still feel optimistic if two players who allegedly received benefits were declared ineligible, he responded, “I feel like this team has got a chance to compete for the (NCAA) tournament.”

“The reason why we’re having this press conference right now is really it’s the start of practice, and that’s what my focus is going to be,” Pearl said. “So because I’m not going to be answering any more questions about matters that are relating to this, if you have any more basketball questions, I’ll answer them. If you don’t, I can’t.”

Person is among 10 people, including four college assistants, who have been arrested in the corruption case.

Also on Friday, Louisville named assistant David Padgett the interim replacement for coach Rick Pitino, staying in house to maintain continuity for the troubled program.

Interim university president Greg Postel’s announcement of the appointment came two days after Pitino was placed on unpaid administrative leave in the wake of the school’s acknowledgment of its involvement in the federal investigation. Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich was placed on paid administrative leave at the same time.

Although both are on leave to carry out due process per their contracts, the expectation is they will eventually be fired.