A chartered flight carrying the Auburn University men’s basketball team had to return shortly after takeoff due to a physical altercation between two players. The incident occurred on Friday when Meregrass Flight 681 departed from Auburn University Regional Airport at approximately 2:40 p.m. and was back on the ground by around 3:30 p.m., as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The flight remained within Alabama airspace, as the team was en route to William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, where they were scheduled to compete against the University of Houston Cougars on Saturday night. The FAA reported that the flight crew noted a “passenger disturbance,” but did not provide further details about the incident. However, communication recorded by CBS News indicated that the pilot informed air traffic control that two players became involved in a physical fight, during which “clothes were ripped.”
Sources have identified the players as freshman forward Jahki Howard and senior forward Ja’Heim Hudson. Both players were unable to board a subsequent flight that left later that night, resulting in their absence from the highly anticipated matchup against Houston. Auburn University has indicated it will release further information, but no statement has been issued yet.
Howard, at just 19 years old, recently earned the title of the 2024 King’s Hawaiian National Slam Dunk Champion, showcasing his impressive athleticism. Conversely, Hudson, 22, has a broader collegiate background, having previously played for the University of Georgia and Southern Methodist University before transferring to Auburn for his senior season. Even though neither player is a starter, both contributed to the team’s recent season opener against the University of Vermont.
While this situation is disappointing for the team and its supporters, it presents an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their skills in the absence of Howard and Hudson. The game against the Cougars remains a crucial moment for the Auburn Tigers to demonstrate their resilience and teamwork.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of discipline and unity within sports teams, emphasizing the need for collaboration, especially during competitive moments. Fans can hope for constructive resolutions for the affected players and a strong performance from the rest of the team.