The Auburn men's basketball team fired general manager Brian Kloman after learning that he withheld information vital to Mantas Rubstavicius' eligibility case, a source confirmed to ESPN on Monday.
According to the source, Kloman knew Rubstavicius had taken college courses in Europe but failed to disclose that information as part of Rubstavicius' lawsuit against the NCAA to gain eligibility for this season.
Auburn coaches and administrators did not become aware of Kloman's withholding of information until Friday, when the school then took steps to fire him, the source said.
Rubstavicius has withdrawn his lawsuit against the NCAA and plans to return to Europe to pursue basketball opportunities.
"Mantas is an exceptional young man with a bright future ahead of him," Auburn coach Steven Pearl said in a statement provided to ESPN. "We appreciate the time he spent as part of our Auburn basketball family and wish him nothing but success as he takes this next step in his career. We look forward to following his success both on and off the court."
Rubstavicius, 24, signed with Auburn in June from Zalgiris Kaunas, a top club in the Lithuanian Basketball League. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 7.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
Kloman, who helped Auburn sign nine players in the transfer portal, was hired in March after previously working at Louisville. Auburn begins its season on Nov. 4 vs. Southeastern Louisiana.
