Liberal Critics Target Bruce Pearl, But It's Their Plantation Mentality on Display

In today's media landscape, liberal commentators like Roland Martin, Dan Wolken, and others have increasingly pressured athletes, particularly Black student-athletes, to conform to a specific political agenda and condemned their coaches who disagree. This plantation-style mentality assumes that all Black Americans should align with a singular viewpoint, in this case, unwavering support for Kamala Harris. It is an inherently condescending stance that strips these individuals of their agency and dismisses the diversity of thought within the Black community. These commentators accuse Bruce Pearl, head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team, of fostering an environment that doesn't align with their narrow views, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Bruce Pearl's track record speaks for itself. His players are treated as a family regardless of race or background. He builds a culture based on accountability, love, and respect, allowing his athletes to think for themselves. As he recently passionately defended Auburn University, he pointed out that Auburn embraces freedom of thought and expression, making it an ideal place for students who cherish these values. Pearl proudly stated, "They should come to Auburn because it's an amazing school. It lives by the Auburn creed. If you want to pray before your meal, you're gonna be comfortable to pray before your meal at Auburn. It is safe."

This is not just talk. Pearl's results speak for themselves. Under his leadership, Auburn has sent six African-American players from nearby Atlanta to the NBA, more than any other program in recent years. His African-American athletes thrive because they play good basketball and because Pearl teaches them to think critically, work hard, and succeed both on and off the court. This stands in stark contrast to the notion that young Black men should be told what to think, who to support, and how to align politically. Pearl fosters independence, something that commentators like Martin and Wolken find threatening.

Let's not forget Pearl's heritage and values. As a proud Jewish man, Pearl has never shied away from supporting Israel, even when it's controversial to do so. He has used his platform to speak out on behalf of the Jewish state, a position that has drawn criticism. However, he says, "I kinda worry about my God and how he thinks." This speaks to the very essence of who Pearl is as a coach and a person-someone who stands by his principles, regardless of the pressure he faces from the media and public figures.

The real racists here are not Bruce Pearl or those who advocate for free thought, but rather the liberal elites who think Black Americans cannot think for themselves. The assumption that Black student-athletes owe their loyalty to Kamala Harris or the Democratic Party is rooted in a deeply patronizing and outdated mindset. Bruce Pearl, on the other hand, teaches his players to forge their own path, to decide their own beliefs, and to succeed based on their merits, not on their adherence to a prepackaged political ideology.

In today's climate, defending individuals like Bruce Pearl, who encourage independent thought, is more critical than ever. His commitment to treating all his players like family and his proud advocacy for Israel are testaments to his integrity. Those who critique Pearl for not fitting into their narrative need to reevaluate who the real racists are-because it certainly isn't Bruce Pearl.

Perry O Hooper Jr is a former State Representative who writes columns on his political perspective and has been published in a number of publications around Alabama and beyond. He was an early supporter of Donald Trump and was the 2016 Trump Victory Chair.

Opinions expressed in the Alabama Gazette are the opinions and viewpoints of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Alabama Gazette staff, advertisers, and/ publishers.