At a recent Auburn vs. Ole Miss basketball game, a surprising courtside interaction between Auburn forward Johni Broome and legendary actor Morgan Freeman turned heads.
Johni Broome explains why he slapped Morgan Freeman’s hand
Broome, caught off guard by a hand on his jersey, instinctively slapped it away, only to discover the hand belonged to Freeman.
The moment quickly shifted from potential conflict to a heartfelt apology from Broome, showcasing the player’s immediate remorse and respect for the iconic actor.
“I thought it was an Ole Miss fan grabbing my jersey & holding onto me. I saw who it was & I’m a big movie guy…I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m a big fan. I’m sorry,” Broome explained in a post-match interview.
A Regrettable Mistake Leads to a Respectful Apology
While the iconic movie star did not let the moment get in the way of him enjoying the game, Broome did reveal that Freeman thought nothing of the hand slap.
Freeman’s reaction to the whole incident was as cool as you’d expect from someone of his stature. The actor reassured Broome, essentially telling him to shake it off and focus on the game.
“He said, ‘You all good. Just keep playing.’ He’s a very good guy. Love him,” Broome said.
Sure enough, the old man had a jolly old-time courtside, mingling with the Mississippi Rebels and slurping up a cold one.
Freeman’s presence at the game was not unusual, given his Mississippi roots and his affinity for attending Ole Miss sporting events.
This interaction, though brief, was a memorable moment for Broome, not just for the game’s outcome but for the personal connection he now shares with Freeman.