Main Story: Mantas Rubštavičius has withdrawn his lawsuit seeking NCAA eligibility and plans to return to Europe after his prior university coursework in Lithuania complicated his case. Auburn also fired general manager Brian Kloman, who reportedly recruited Rubštavičius but did not tell the rest of the staff about his European enrollment. The departures leave Auburn without its GM just before the season begins.

By the Numbers
  • Kloman was hired March 26.
  • Rubštavičius filed his lawsuit two weeks before withdrawing it.
  • Auburn opens its season Nov. 4 against Southeastern Louisiana.
Yes, But

Rubštavičius’ withdrawal ends his immediate eligibility fight, but the available information doesn’t explain whether he could pursue another route to play in the United States later.

State of Play
  • Rubštavičius is leaving Auburn and returning to Europe.
  • Kloman is out, while coach Steven Pearl and the team prepare for the opener.
What's Next

Auburn must begin the season without its general manager and without Rubštavičius, while the team turns its attention to the Nov. 4 opener.

Bottom Line

Auburn’s late roster addition has become a costly eligibility and staffing setback, with the season starting before the program has much time to regroup.