Bruce Pearl on Chad Baker-Mazara ejection: ‘What I’d like is for the first fouls to be called’

Auburn had to go through part of the second half and all of overtime against Alabama without Chad Baker-Mazara. He was ejected after a Flagrant 2 foul when he appeared to elbow Chris Youngblood under the basket.

After the game, Bruce Pearl said he hadn’t yet seen the play and, therefore, couldn’t comment on what happened. However, he pointed out the amount of contact Baker-Mazara faces and said he’d like to see “the first fouls” called.

Pearl didn’t excuse the Flagrant 2 foul, pointing out it’s the second time Baker-Mazara has been called for one. But he also noted the reason for “retaliation,” adding that also cannot happen.

“What I’d like is for the first fouls to be called,” Pearl said when asked if he’s worried about Baker-Mazara. “But I have not seen the play, so I just can’t comment on whatever happened there. Obviously, a Flagrant 2, this is his second time having it. And obviously, we’re not as good a team without him.

“He takes a lot of contact. He gets hit a lot. If it was some sort of a retaliation, he just can’t retaliate. I’ll know more when I look at the play.”

When asked if he thinks Baker-Mazara is being “targeted,” Pearl said contact is what happens when teams play hard. Any retaliation, though, is what especially can’t take place.

“I just think that the contact is a part of the game, and I think a year ago, it was a retaliation play,” Pearl said. “My guess is, without seeing the play, there was some retaliation from getting hit. You’re gonna get hit, you’ve got to get to the next play. Chad can’t do that.”

At the time of his departure, Chad Baker-Mazara had seven points, two rebounds and three assists. After his ejection, though, ESPN analyst Dave Vitale had some harsh criticism about what happened on the broadcast.

“There’s no doubt about it,” Vitale said. “I know the home team doesn’t like it but reality, look at the video and look at the replay. No place in the game for that guys, none whatsoever. Play the game hard, play the game with passion, play the game with feeling. But no need for that at all.”

Saturday’s Alabama vs. Auburn game was a highly anticipated rematch of the Iron Bowl of Basketball after the two teams’ thriller in February. It lived up to the billing. Neither team was able to pull away in overtime, and that set the stage for one final possession. Labaron Philon brought the ball up, and he kicked it to Mark Sears just outside the three-point line. He then went around the bend with his left hand and put up the floater. It fell as time expired, giving Alabama the 93-91 victory.