Bruce Pearl addresses possible US Senate run in Alabama
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Bruce Pearl’s name has been in the headlines for more than just basketball this offseason.
In May, Pearl was mentioned as a potential US Senate candidate for the Alabama seat set to be vacated by former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville, who is running for Governor of Alabama. Pearl continues to be linked to the Senate seat as we inch closer to basketball season.
On Tuesday, Auburn AD John Cohen stated that he expects Pearl to be AU’s coach this fall, but acknowledged that things can change. Wednesday, Pearl was asked about his potential Senate run during an appearance on the Scott Jennings Show.
Pearl, who is outspoken about Israel and US foreign policy on social media, voiced appreciation for President Donald Trump and concern about the direction of the Democratic Party, particularly the progressive wing, during his interview with Jennings. He also, though, said he loves life at Auburn and questioned if he’s cut out to be a legislator on Capitol Hill.
“Can I also have an impact as a basketball coach?” Pearl said. “I’m graduating kids. I’m teaching kids. … I don’t know that I have to be a Senator in order (make an impact), there are so many things about Washington that are so dysfunctional that I don’t even know that I could make a difference there.”
It will be interesting to see whether Pearl decides to make the career switch from sports to politics like Tuberville, or continue to be the Auburn basketball coach.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
