Ex-Auburn coach Bruce Pearl responds to ESPN host hoping he was pressured to leave because he was 'divisive'

U.S. Israel Education Association Chair Bruce Pearl weighs in on the Israeli-Hamas peace talks and reacts to being called ‘divisive’ on ‘The Will Cain Show.’

Bruce Pearl stepped down as the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball head coach on Monday, and a longtime ESPN host appeared rather pleased about the news.

"Pardon the Interruption" host Michael Wilbon called Pearl a "divisive person" and hoped there was "pressure" to push him out of the program. 

"He had become a divisive person, it seems to me, intentionally. And I hope there was pressure to just get him out," Wilbon said.

Pearl appeared on "The Will Cain Show" on Monday and offered a response to Wilbon, who he said he "loves," adding that a "dear friend" of Wilbon reached out and said Wilbon's sentiments were "probably political" and "not antisemitic."

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Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl signals to players against the Florida Gators during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.  (Bob Donnan/Imagn Images)

"I was a regular on ‘Pardon the Interruption.’ And I love Tony and Mike and have had great relationships with them… If there's anything I'm not, that is divisive. I've tried to bring people together my entire life. Maybe it's an example of why we can't agree to disagree about saying things politically," Pearl said.

Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl reacts after a missed free throw during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. (Jordan Prather-Imagn Images)

TARLETON STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH BILLY GILLISPIE ON LEAVE AMID INVESTIGATION INTO ANONYMOUS COMPLAINT

"I was not forced out. I love Auburn. I love