New details surrounding a scuffle aboard a plane that involved the Auburn men's basketball team and caused the plane to be turned back shed some light on the extent of the altercation.
The No. 11 Tigers were on their way to Houston to play against the Cougars on Saturday night, but the team was forced to turn back after reports that two team members were involved in a scuffle.
A panoramic view of Neville Arena before the game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Auburn Tigers on February 14, 2024 in Auburn, Alabama. (Michael Chan/Getty Images)
Some reports initially said the fight was not physical, but radio communications between the pilots and air traffic control said the situation escalated.
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According to audio obtained by WBMA, the pilot requested the plane return to Auburn and that “sheriffs or police” were waiting for their arrival.
“Well, they came out of there and the fighting subsided. We talked to the coaches, and there are nurses on the ship – we talked to them,” the pilot said. I can hear you there.
Additional audio obtained by WBRC reveals the scale of the fight.
Auburn forward Jarki Howard slam-dunks the ball against Vermont during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in Auburn, Alabama. He was reportedly identified as one of the players involved in the brawl. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Plane carrying Auburn men's basketball team diverted due to onboard altercation: report
“There's an altercation going on onboard. … A number of basketball players are fighting,” the pilot can be heard saying, adding that it was a “physical altercation” that resulted in one “bloody ” and her clothes are torn.
According to On3sports' Justin Hokanson, the players involved in the fight were freshman Jaki Howard and senior Jaheim Hudson. They reportedly did not return to Houston with the team for Saturday's game.
FILE – SMU Mustangs forward Jaheim Hudson (#15) during a college basketball game between the SMU Mustangs and the East Carolina Pirates at Moody Coliseum on March 6, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. is looking for an open teammate. (Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The university did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment or confirm the incident.
FOX News' Ryan Mollick contributed to this report.
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