Dave Portnoy lashed out at ESPN “Pardon The Interruption” host Mike Wilbon after he labeled retiring Auburn coach Bruce Pearl a “divisive” person who he hoped had been pushed out.
“What an idiotic comment from Wilbon,” Portnoy posted Monday night to X in a quote tweet of Wilbon’s comments. “[Tony] Kornheiser shouldn’t have rolled over.
“Apparently Wilbon only likes athletes/coaches who speak on social issues if they align with his views. Otherwise you are divisive. What a narrow minded small view #brucepearl.”
Pearl, 65, stunned the college basketball world when he retired Monday not long before teams begin practicing for the 2025-26 season.
He is now moving into an ambassador role for the university.
Wilbon’s comments focused more on how Pearl’s X feed has lately become one more resembling that of a politician than of a coach trying to win a national title.
“Pardon The Interruption” co-host Korhneiser noted how Pearl said he will not be running for the U.S. senate in his brief summary of Pearl’s decision and career before Wilbon made his comment.
“Tony, he had become a divisive person it seems to me, intentionally, and I hope there was just pressure to get him out,” Wilbon said.
Kornheiser responded, “Really?” and Wilbon followed with: “Yeah, I do.”
“I always liked him,” Kornheiser said. “He was such a great guest. Yeah, we’re on the other side with him.”
Pearl has long been praised for his basketball success, although he’s violated some rules along the way, but it’s his recent commentary that seemingly has caused more divisiveness in Wilbon’s eyes.
Pearl had previously mentioned the idea of possibly turning to politics, and his X account has lately been filled with plenty of posts from conservative voices and him backing Israel.
He also has made it clear that he’s a supporter of President Donald Trump.
Pearl clarified in his video that he not yet ready for a political run.
“Many of you know that I thought and prayed about maybe running for United States Senate, maybe to be the next great senator from the state of Alabama,” Pearl said. “That would’ve required leaving Auburn. And instead, the university has given me an opportunity to stay here and be Auburn’s senator.”
Pearl coached Auburn, Tennessee, Milwaukee and Southern Indiana in his career and reached two Final Fours, including this past season.