Auburn forward Johni Broome, front right, reaches out and apologizes to Academy Award-winning actor and Mississippi fan Morgan Freeman, second from front left, after falling into him while going after the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Mississippi, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Auburn’s Johni Broome had a memorable encounter with one of his beloved movie stars, Morgan Freeman, for which he felt compelled to apologize. During the 16th-ranked Tigers’ 91-77 triumph over Mississippi, Broome, who contributed 15 points, attempted to retrieve a ball heading out of bounds in the second half. In doing so, someone in the front row grabbed his jersey, prompting Broome to instinctively brush the person’s arm away, thinking it was an Ole Miss fan trying to disrupt him. To his surprise, it was Morgan Freeman, a devoted Mississippi fan and Academy Award-winning actor who frequently attends Rebels games.
Johni Broome postgame on smacking Morgan Freeman's hand: "I thought it was an Ole Miss fan just grabbing my jersey and holding onto me. I got the hand off, then I saw who it was … I realized it was him and was like, 'Oh my gosh, I'm a big fan, I'm sorry.'" (🎥 via @MPW_Digital) https://t.co/d48kWmOU7Z pic.twitter.com/n29NaCYDXL
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) February 4, 2024
Realizing his mistake, Broome expressed his apologies to Freeman, acknowledging his admiration as a big movie enthusiast. Despite the initial interruption, Freeman reassured Broome, encouraging him to focus on the game. Broome, feeling the need to make amends, even called a personal foul on himself and approached Freeman during the game to apologize again. Freeman, displaying understanding and sportsmanship, told Broome to continue playing.
In the end, Broome and his Auburn teammates staged an impressive comeback, overturning a 13-point deficit in the first half to secure a convincing victory over Freeman’s favored team. The Tigers’ overall record improved to 18-4, with a 7-2 standing in the Southeastern Conference, while the Rebels fell to 18-4 overall and 5-4 in league play.
