Bruce Pearl deserved to be fired.
The University of Tennessee caused a stir when it decided to part ways with its highly successful coach earlier this week.
In six seasons, Pearl brought the Volunteers to new heights on the hardwood. Off the court, he was far less successful.
UT already has to deal with the circus surrounding former football coach Lane Kiffin in recent years, and Pearl’s actions only added to the turmoil.
Last September, Pearl admitted that he broke NCAA recruiting bylaws after inviting high schools players to his home for a cookout, and then lied about the event. While letting him go may have been an unpopular decision, it was the correct one.
In recent years, we’ve seen officials in both professional and collegiate sports downplay or even ignore improper off-the-court conduct if the results on the court are positive.
Some schools and teams adopt a win-at-all-cost mantra, thus enabling coaches and programs to continue in their inappropriate ways.
The Vols thought otherwise and fired Pearl. He had not only committed violations, but then he lied to the NCAA about it. If that doesn’t justify his firing, I don’t know what does.
While it’s clear that Pearl is a talented coach, his off-the-court behavior is unacceptable.
Reach Greg at greg.dillard@asu.edu
