Sports

Auburn Could Withhold NIL Money From Star Player That Mysteriously Bailed On NIT

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iStockphoto / © Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


The Auburn basketball team is competing in the NIT following a 17-win season. It is doing so without the presence of a star player.

KeShawn Murphy was mysteriously absent from the Tigers‘ opener on Tuesday night. Will it have NIL repercussions?

“Personal reasons” were cited as the cause for his departure from the team, though that’s done little to provide clarity on the situation.

Head coach Steven Pearl was apparently left in the dark on the decision to opt out until the last possible minute.

Who is KeShawn Murphy?

The senior forward spent his first three seasons at Mississippi State before transferring to an SEC rival. With Auburn in 2025-26, he was a key contributor.

Murphy averaged 10.7 points and 6.8 boards across 31 appearances (29 starts). He was the team’s leading rebounder and fourth-leading scorer.

He had a strong showing in the SEC Tournament, taking his former school to the woodshed with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four steals.

Unfortunately, a victory over the Bulldogs wasn’t enough to get Auburn into the NCAA Tournament. It, instead, settled for the NIT.

Murphy was not with the team at Monday’s first practice. He did not suit up for Tuesday’s matchup with South Alabama. He will not be a contributor moving forward.

Most tend to believe he’s prepping for his next stop, whether that be pro ball or the transfer portal. He is a fringe NBA prospect.

With that said, he did sign a contract to play at Auburn. He is not upholding his end of the deal by opting out. Justin Hokanson of On3 thinks NIL funds could be withheld.

“If a player doesn’t want to play and would rather move on… that’s certainly their choice. But in today’s landscape, that decision likely comes with NIL ramifications.

“It’s hard to imagine a player opting out of postseason play and still collecting the full amount of their NIL money.”

The Tigers may very well enforce the terms of KeShawn Murphy’s contract. Their motivation to do so could certainly be impacted by a lack of transparency.

Auburn was left in the dark.

Steven Pearl is “not sure why” Murphy opted out. He was provided no information on the exit.

Murphy is the only player to leave upon learning Auburn’s NIT fate.

A teammate did come to the forward’s defense after the Tigers picked up a win over South Alabama in the opening round. It didn’t provide any closure.

He ain’t quit on the team just personal reason he still apart of our team! But Appreciate u bro these people just chat remember they hold flowers in one hand and a stone in the other hand!! Been knew what it is and these people don’t even know the behind the scenes But all love.

-Keyshawn Hall / X: @xkeyy2

Keyshawn Hall seems to have some information on his teammate’s departure from the team. He appears to know more than the head coach. He is not spilling the tea.

Murphy’s reasoning could very well impact his future income with the Auburn basketball team. It will be interesting to see if anything is made public in the coming days.