Chad Baker-Mazara takes shot on Instagram after ejection vs. Alabama

Chad Baker-Mazara is no stranger to controversial calls, and that was once again the case Saturday against Alabama. The Auburn star was ejected after being called for a Flagrant 2 foul when he struck Chris Youngblood with an elbow.

After the game, Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats seemed to call out Baker-Mazara in his postgame comments, alluding to “cheap plays” from the Tigers. Baker-Mazara took to social media after the game, which Auburn lost 93-91 in overtime, to air out his own thoughts.

Rent free,” he wrote.

Baker-Mazara has been a key piece for Auburn so far this season to average 13.1 points, 2.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game. However, he’s also developed a reputation among opponents for being a bit of a hot-headed player.

ESPN’s Dick Vitale says the call was a no-doubter in his opinion. Vitale agreed with throwing Baker-Mazara out, saying his actions crossed the line.

“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.”

Prior to the Flagrant 2 being called, Baker-Mazara had three personal fouls to his name.

“Just a total brain-dead flagrant 2 foul by Baker-Mazara,” college basketball analyst Seth Davis said after the incident. “Remember, he got ejected from the first-round loss to Yale. Can NOT do that, ever. Easy ejection that will cost Auburn down the stretch.”

If there is a silver lining for Auburn, it’s the depth Bruce Pearl has built. One of the reasons why the Tigers are viewed as favorites to win the national championship is due to a deep roster. Losing Baker-Mazara hurts but Auburn has more than enough firepower to put out there.

The next time we see Chad Baker-Mazara on the court, the SEC Tournament in Nashville will be underway. Auburn has already locked up the one-seed, no matter the outcome of Saturday’s game. Tip-off from Bridgestone Arena is set for 1 p.m. ET as Auburn waits to see who their opponent will be.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.