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Bruce Pearl Says Auburn’s $1 Million NIL Bid for Yaxel Lendeborg ‘Didn’t Even Warm Him Up’

The on-air disclosure spotlighted the multi-million-dollar valuations now attached to top transfers, prompting swift online criticism.

Overview

  • Pearl, now working on TNT after retiring from Auburn, revealed during MichiganAuburn coverage that the Tigers offered Lendeborg $1 million in NIL.
  • Multiple outlets report Lendeborg chose Michigan on a package around $3 million, with some accounts suggesting a higher figure.
  • Pearl said Auburn targeted the former UAB star to help replace departed big men Johni Broome and Dylan Cardwell.
  • Michigan beat Auburn 102–72 at the Players Era event, where Lendeborg recorded 15 points and 7 rebounds.
  • Social-media responses criticized Pearl for publicizing recruiting negotiations, with commenters calling the disclosure inappropriate.