Auburn fires basketball GM Brian Kloman, and Mantas Rubstavicius drops his NCAA lawsuit

Auburn fired men's basketball general manager Brian Kloman after learning he withheld information central to Mantas Rubstavicius' eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA, a source told ESPN on Monday. Rubstavicius has dropped the lawsuit and will return to Europe.

Auburn confirmed both moves Monday. The school said Kloman is "no longer employed by Auburn Athletics" and that Rubstavicius "decided to pursue an opportunity in Europe," according to WSFA's Maya Kitchens.

According to ESPN's source, Kloman knew Rubstavicius had taken college courses in Europe but did not disclose it as part of the player's lawsuit seeking eligibility for this season. Auburn coaches and administrators found out Friday and moved to fire him.

Rubstavicius, a 24-year-old, 6-foot-6 guard, signed with Auburn in June from Zalgiris Kaunas, one of the top clubs in the Lithuanian league.

"Mantas is an exceptional young man with a bright future ahead of him," Auburn coach Steven Pearl said in a statement 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."

Auburn hired Kloman in March after he had worked at Louisville. He helped the Tigers sign nine players out of the transfer portal this offseason.

Auburn opens its season Nov. 4 against Southeastern Louisiana.