Auburn, Ala. • Auburn will hold out sophomores Austin Wiley and Danjel Purifoy indefinitely in connection with a federal investigation into associate head coach Chuck Person.
The athletic department sent out a statement Thursday announcing the decision was made "to avoid any potential eligibility issues." Wiley and Purifoy are two of the Tigers' top players.
Person faces federal charges for allegedly receiving $91,500 in bribes to steer Auburn players to a Pittsburgh-based financial adviser when they turn pro. He indicated that he paid $18,500 of the bribe money to the families of two unnamed recruits, according to documents.
Auburn hadn't previously identified the players linked to the investigation, part of a widespread corruption case around college basketball. The school said it won't have further comment because it's an ongoing investigation, but has previously confirmed receiving a subpoena.
Auburn opens Nov. 10 against Norfolk State with an exhibition game Thursday night against Barry.