Auburn Basketball Star Tahaad Pettiford Arrested for DUI
Tahaad Pettiford, a prominent figure on Auburn University's men's basketball team, was arrested early Saturday morning on July 12, under suspicion of driving under the influence.
Lee County arrest records indicate that Pettiford was taken into custody just after midnight and subsequently released later that day after posting a $1,000 bail.
In response to the incident, Pettiford took to Instagram to share his thoughts. "Last night, I made a serious mistake and one that I take full responsibility for," he stated in his Instagram Stories. "My actions put myself and others at risk, and for that, I am deeply sorry. There is no excuse."
He further expressed remorse, addressing his family, teammates, coaches, and fans: "I know I’ve let you down. I understand the disappointment and concern this has caused, and I want you to know that I’m taking this seriously. This is not who I am, and not who I will be."
Pettiford emphasized his commitment to personal growth: "I’m committed to learning from this moment and making meaningful, positive changes in my life. I’m grateful for the support and accountability of those around me, and I will work to earn back the trust I’ve lost."
This incident follows Pettiford's recent decision to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft, where he was projected to be selected in the mid-first or early second round. He previously mentioned to ESPN that returning to college would enhance his draft prospects and allow him to capitalize on NIL opportunities.
"I was happy to go through the process, getting feedback from NBA teams," he noted. "Going back to Auburn is a better situation for me. I see myself being a higher pick next year. It wasn’t 100% this year, so I didn’t want to take that chance."
Pettiford acknowledged the challenges he faces as a shorter guard aspiring to play professionally: "Being a short guard, it won’t be easy to play in the league, but I know I can do it. It’s maybe not the right time."
His return to Auburn has been positively received; reports indicate he has quickly emerged as a leader within the team. During his freshman season, Pettiford averaged 11.6 points and three assists per game, contributing significantly to the Tigers' SEC regular season title and their run to the 2025 Final Four.
