After winning their season opener against Vermont, the Auburn Tigers are gearing up to clash against the Houston Cougars on Saturday. For the same, the Tigers boarded a flight from Auburn University Regional Airport at 2:40 p.m. on Friday. However, following a major altercation, the flight had to return and landed once again at Auburn Airport at around 3:30 p.m.

The odd incident got into limelight on social media and Auburn would be without two of its forwards when they take on the Cougars later tonight. The news regarding the same was tweeted by the popular journalist Jeff Borzello, citing ESPN news.

Ja’Heim Hudson And Jahki Howard: Jeff Borzello’s latest update

On Saturday, Borzello gave the latest verdict on Jahki Howard and Ja’Heim Hudson, who probably were involved in “a physical alteration” according to the pilot’s message to the air controllers. Apart from that, as per CBS Sports, the message also states that “clothes were ripped.” Following this, the flight en route to William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas had to return to Auburn. And Borzello gave the latest update.

“Auburn reserves Jahki Howard and Ja’Heim Hudson didn’t travel with the Tigers following the incident on the initial flight for tonight’s game against Houston, sources confirmed to ESPN,” Borzello tweeted on Saturday. The FAA revealed that the flight crew had shared some passenger disturbances, but did not expound any further details.

The name of Howard and Hudson cropped up in reports by CBS Sports and some reports also mention that the two got into a scuffle which fortunately got “over before it escalated into anything serious.” While Howard is a freshman, Hudson is a senior. And the team might miss their contribution.

Bruce Pearl’s probable plans regarding Jahki Howard and Ja’Heim Hudson

In the season opener, Howard plied his trade for around 20 minutes, while Hudson played for around 16 minutes. Though none of them scored high, ending the game with only 7 and 2 points, respectively, they fared well in their roles. Apart from their offensive skills, the freshman even collected 4 rebounds. Therefore, the two could have been valuable rotations in the upcoming game.

Especially in the charity exhibition game against Florida Atlantic, Howard played a major role, hitting 14 points with the help of 2-of-4 threes. Hence, going into this matchup, the head coach Bruce Pearl might have utilized him, giving him more time on the court and preparing him for the season that lies ahead. Unfortunately, Pearl’s plans will be affected by their latest fight as they will not be a part of the team against the Cougars.

While no one from the team has given any updates regarding it, hopefully, both will resolve their issues if any. And help the Tigers to make an impact in the NCAA tournament, other than winning the conference championship, much like how the Tigers did last year.