Auburn's Bruce Pearl suggests God inspired him to speak out about American held hostage by Hamas

Auburn University basketball coach Bruce Pearl joined 'Fox & Friends' to discuss his plea for the release of Edan Alexander, the last likely living American held by Hamas, and the spread of antisemitism on college campuses.

Bruce Pearl said Monday he was thanking God for the blessing he and the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team received when he thought of the idea of speaking up for Edan Alexander – an Israeli-American held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

Pearl went viral on Saturday night when he spoke out during the team’s postgame press conference following a win against Creighton to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

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Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl speaks with the media during NCAA Tournament First Round Practice at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, on March 19, 2025. (Aaron Doster-Imagn Images)

He explained why he decided to speak out during an appearance on "Fox & Friends."

"I was going to go to the press conference and talk just about the game, but I was walking down the hall with my players and it came to me," he said. "I was thanking God for the blessings that we've had. And in some ways, he spoke to me. He said, ‘remember where you came from. Take advantage of this opportunity.’ 

"So, I asked the guys, ‘Guys, if it's OK if I bring up in Edan Alexander's name. The only American that we believe is still alive, held hostage.’ They said, ‘Coach, there's an American held hostage. We know how much you care about it. Absolutely. Mention his name.’"

Pearl explained that he believed Jewish people in the United States are the silent majority, and it breaks their hearts to see protests in favor of Hamas.

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