Auburn's Bruce Pearl deflects questions on corruption case

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Auburn men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl wanted to talk about his team, the season and anything but the federal investigation that has ensnared his top assistant and engulfed the sport.

Pearl would only say Friday that the alleged behavior leading to the arrest of suspended associate head coach Chuck Person Tuesday on federal fraud and bribery charges "is unacceptable."

He steered clear of the topic after that, making it a fairly short news conference.

A few hours after Pearl made his first public comments, Louisville named David Padgett its interim coach. He replaces Rick Pitino, who was placed on unpaid administrative leave in the wake of the investigation.