Flight carrying No. 11 Auburn basketball team grounded after scuffle between players

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — A flight carrying the No. 11 Auburn basketball team was grounded shortly after takeoff on Friday after two players got into a fight onboard, according to multiple reports.

“We had two players that got into a physical altercation, clothes were ripped,” the pilot was heard saying to air traffic controllers in audio obtained by WBRC-TV.

The Tigers were heading to Houston, where they were scheduled to play the fourth-ranked Cougars on Saturday. The plane took off shortly before 3 p.m. but turned around and landed about 40 minutes later.

The pilot told air traffic controllers that police were called, according to the audio.

ESPN also confirmed the in-flight scuffle, citing anonymous sources. The fight was broken up before it became anything serious and a replacement flight departed Friday night, ESPN reported.

Auburn's athletic department did not respond to requests for comment from WBRC or ESPN.

Auburn beat Vermont 94-43 in its season opener on Wednesday night. The Tigers are in their 11th season under coach Bruce Pearl, who has taken them to the NCAA Tournament five times, including a Final Four appearance in 2019.

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Auburn guard Chad Baker-Mazara (10) and teammates react after a slam dunk by forward Jahki Howard during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Vermont, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)

Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl signals to players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Vermont, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)

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