Tensions have obviously been high around the Alabama men’s basketball team due to the controversy surrounding star forward Brandon Miller. They faced off against a bitter rival in the Auburn Tigers on Wednesday, and tensions flared which led to multiple ejections following a nasty incident.
The incident occurred with 7:30 remaining in the second half while play was paused. Alabama guard Jahvon Quinerly and Auburn guard Wendell Green Jr. got into a shoving match which led to both players receiving offsetting technical fouls.
However, Alabama players and coaches got up off the bench and went onto the court to get in involved in the skirmish. The incident led to a lengthy delay as officials figured out what additional calls needed to be made.
Alabama players Rylan Griffen and Charles Bediako along with an assistant coach for the Crimson Tide were ultimately ejected for leaving the bench area.
Two Alabama basketball players — Rylan Griffen and Charles Bediako — and an assistant coach were ejected after leaving the bench during a skirmish with Auburn. pic.twitter.com/Aex5YMnE4T
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 2, 2023
Many around the college basketball world took notice of the altercation, taking to social media to offer their opinion on the matter.
Just turned on Auburn-Alabama …. this is chaos. I don’t understand.
— Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) March 2, 2023
Multiple ejections for Alabama. Unreal.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) March 2, 2023
Bruce Pearl letting the officials know how he feels, Alabama bench players reaching near half-court.
It’s 🔥🔥 right now pic.twitter.com/Tu4y580Alq
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) March 2, 2023
Officials need to get control of this Alabama-Auburn game right now.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) March 2, 2023
Things are getting heated between Alabama and Auburn 👀
— Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) March 2, 2023
Both teams had a ton on the line in this game, which made it even more intense than the rivalry usually is. Auburn was looking to solidify its NCAA Tournament bid, currently sitting on the bubble according to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi.
Meanwhile, Alabama could potentially be the No.1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Tide won the game in overtime, becoming outright SEC regular season champions.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats has had his fair share of controversy as well due to his handling of the Brandon Miller situation. This incident where Alabama players and coaches appeared undisciplined and ran onto the court may be further proof that he is quickly losing control within this program.
[The Comeback on Twitter, Photo Credit: ESPN]
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.