The Miami RedHawks have made history this season after their overtime win over the Ohio Bobcats. With a perfect regular season under the belt, head coach Travis Steele received some good news regarding his $2,500 MAC punishment, thanks to an on-air offer from Bruce Pearl.

Former Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl was on the TNT panel during Travis Steele’s interview when the panel raised the topic. Travis Steele incurred a $2,500 fine levied by the MAC for pushing over the DJ equipment during Miami (Ohio)’s game against Western Michigan.

Bruce Pearl announced on the live network that he will donate an identical amount to a charity of Steele’s choice after being asked by one of his fellow presenters to take on the burden of the MAC fine on the Miami (OH) head coach.

Travis Steele joined in on the laughter caused by the discussion, as the call ended with the panel congratulating the Miami (OH) head coach on the undefeated regular season.

Bruce Pearl has publicly voiced his opposition to Miami (OH)’s NCAA Tournament aspirations, stating that he would rather see an Auburn Tigers team that is failing to even have a positive overall record than an undefeated RedHawks team, given the difference in schedule strength.

The Miami RedHawks head coach, Travis Steele, pushed a speaker while heading toward the locker room at halftime in their game against Western Michigan. Steele’s push damaged the DJ’s speaker and other equipment, with repair and replacement costs to be around $3,000. The MAC responded to the incident by levying a $2,500 fine, ordering Steele to pay for the damages caused.

Perhaps the Miami RedHawks would cover the fine for Steele, having recently announced a new $281 million investment in a multipurpose arena for the college program.

Bruce Pearl takes a jibe at the Miami RedHawks’ perfect regular season

The former Auburn Tigers head coach undermined Miami’s 2025-26 campaign, stating that he would rather see his former team make the NCAA Tournament.

The Miami RedHawks achieved a historic feat with an overtime win against Ohio. And while Bruce Pearl congratulated the college program, many believe the tweet was a veiled jibe at Miami (OH).

“History made! What a game, what a regular season! First team since Gonzaga in 2021 to go undefeated! Ten last-possession wins so far!” tweeted Bruce Pearl on the occasion.

Fans quickly recognized the sarcasm within the post, highlighting the last part of his tweet. College basketball expert Bruce Pearl did not fail to point out how Miami (OH) reached the fabled land, with 10 of its 31 victories coming in the last possession of games.

The Ohio game was another close affair, before the RedHawks emerged victorious in overtime, thanks to a missed Ohio attempt in the last possession of the game.

While Bruce Pearl’s comments may be in poor taste, the closeness of their victories opens up another debate. If the RedHawks fall to a MAC team in the conference tournament, it will lead to another heated discussion about whether the college program deserves a spot in the NCAA Tournament.