Auburn Tigers basketball coach Bruce Pearl made headlines after his team’s big NCAA tournament win. He used his post-game press conference to demand Hamas release American hostages in Gaza. Pearl said God gave him this platform to speak out. His team’s success on the court isn’t just about basketball—it’s about fighting for what’s right.
Pearl didn’t waste time talking about the game. He jumped straight into calling for Edan Alexander’s freedom. Alexander is an American-Israeli soldier held by Hamas since October 2023. Pearl slammed those who support Hamas, saying they back terrorism. He praised President Trump’s tough stance, arguing peace starts with freeing hostages.
The coach connected his faith to his team’s winning streak. Pearl’s grandfather came to America as a Jewish immigrant. He said loving America and supporting Israel aren’t contradictions. Israel just wants peace, Pearl insisted, but faces constant attacks. He called out radical groups that “want Jews dead” and praised Arab nations working with Israel under Trump’s Abraham Accords.
Hamas still holds 59 hostages—over half likely dead. Pearl blasted universities for letting pro-Hamas protests spread. He said most Jewish Americans are a “silent majority” heartbroken by these rallies. Freeing hostages would stop the violence, Pearl stressed, echoing Trump’s message.
Some critics say coaches should stick to sports. Pearl fired back that evil thrives when good men stay quiet. He’s used social media for months to shame Hamas. A January post showed chaotic hostage releases, accusing Palestinians of hiding terrorists. Pearl won’t let woke mobs silence him.
The Biden administration’s weak response emboldened Hamas, Pearl suggested. Trump’s leadership could force a deal, he argued. With Israel resuming strikes on Gaza, Pearl’s timing matters. His voice reaches millions during March Madness—a chance to expose Hamas’ crimes.
Auburn’s next game features Israeli-American player Danny Wolf. Pearl hopes the spotlight helps Americans see the truth. Supporting Israel isn’t political—it’s moral. Hamas broke ceasefires and uses civilians as shields. Pearl’s courage sets an example others should follow.
As the Tigers advance, Pearl vows to keep speaking up. Winning games is great, but freeing hostages is bigger. His players back him, proving sports and patriotism mix. Pearl’s message is clear: America must stand with Israel, reject Hamas, and elect leaders who put freedom first.
