Johni Broome slaps Morgan Freeman's hand during Auburn-Ole Miss game, immediately apologizes
Johni Broome felt a tug at his jersey in the midst of Auburn’s game vs. Ole Miss on Saturday night.
Assuming it was an Ole Miss fan, Broome instinctively slapped the man’s hand as he turned around. But as Broome turned around to investigate, he discovered it was legendary actor Morgan Freeman who he had just smacked on the hand.
Broome immediately apologized to Freeman and then did so again later in the game. Here’s a replay of the interaction.
Where was Johni Broome when we needed him to slap Morgan Freeman’s hand away from that box with Gwyneth Paltrow’s head in it?
(Seriously, Johni’s reaction once he realized it was Morgan Freeman that he swatted away is hilarious.)pic.twitter.com/40SNxfA1Nt
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) February 4, 2024
Broome was asked about interaction after the game. He said he’s a big fan of Freeman’s
“I thought it was a Ole Miss fan just grabbing my jersey to hold onto me,” Broome said. “And I kind of just got their hand off, but I saw who it was. And I’m a big movie guy, I probably watched one of his movies on the plane coming here.
“But I realized it was him, I was like ‘Oh my gosh, I’m a big fan, I’m sorry. And he just said, ‘just keep playing.’ And, you know, I came back out there again and I was like, ‘I’m sorry again.’ He was like, ‘you’re all good, just keep playing.’ Very good guy. Love him.”
Johni Broome says he thought Morgan Freeman was an Ole Miss fan grabbing his jersey ? pic.twitter.com/OQ9Ez5vwnV
— CBS Sports College Basketball ? (@CBSSportsCBB) February 4, 2024
Freeman, 86, is an Ole Miss fan who has been to multiple Ole Miss games this season.
Auburn ended up defeating the Rebels 91-77 thanks in-part to Broome’s performance. He chipped in 15 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in the victory over the Rebels.
Auburn will be in action again on Wednesday as it hosts in-state rival Alabama. If you’re interested in wagering on that game, here’s more information about how you can get signed up with one of the best sports betting apps on the market.