KNOXVILLE (WVLT) -- Bruce Pearl apologized to Tennessee basketball fans once again Tuesday for breaking NCAA rules.

Pearl began a speech at a Knoxville Rotary luncheon by asking fans for their prayers and support.

"I've got to deliver a message to the community thanking them for their support, and continuing to ask for their forgiveness and patience," Pearl told WVLT after the speech.

"I am making sure they understand that [Tennessee] is where I want to be and where I am going to be."

Pearl and the Tennessee basketball program are under investigation after Pearl admitted he lied when faced with accusations of secondary violations.