Johni Broome calls out Chad Baker-Mazara following ejection vs. Alabama: 'Learn from your mistakes'

Chad Baker-Mazara is making headlines but not in a positive light. A Flagrant 2 foul was called on the Auburn star Saturday against Alabama, ejecting him from the game. Baker-Mazara elbowed Chris Youngblood in the head away from the ball and after a review, he was thrown out.

Johni Broome offered up some advice to his teammates during a postgame press conference. Broome is hoping Baker-Mazara is able to learn from the mistake and move forward. Auburn is going to need him in the postseason, beginning on Friday in the SEC Tournament. Staying out of flagrant foul situations will be ideal.

“My message to Chad is to learn from his mistakes,” Broome said. “Want to change, want to do better for the team and for himself. We all love Chad, we still had the opportunity to win the game without Chad. Obviously he’s down on himself, as well, because he’d rather be out there with us. The message to him is to try to learn from his mistakes.”

A similar mistake was made last March but in a much bigger situation. Baker-Mazara was ejected from the first-round NCAA Tournament game against Yale after a Flagrant 2. Auburn would go on to be eliminated after entering the field scorching hot.

Being called for a Flagrant 2 is never ideal for anybody. Losing to Alabama will sting but at the very least, Auburn’s season is not completely over.

Baker-Mazara was not having his best day against Alabama. In 18 minutes played, he finished with seven points on two of seven shooting. Regular foul trouble caused for Bruce Pearl to sit him down too, having three personal fouls before the flagrant.

Even so, the veteran player is somebody who can heat up in a matter of moments. Crowd energy can really get Baker-Mazara going and The Jungle was rocking with Alabama in town. There could have been a flurry of points at any moment.

A chance at redemption is now in front of Baker-Mazara. Auburn is next on the court Friday afternoon as the one-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Opponent is not yet known despite a two-game losing streak, the Tigers might be favored to cut down the nets.

Selection Sunday will likely bring good news for Auburn too, being in pole position to be the No. 1 overall seed. Cashing in on the opportunity will be quite the journey and one Auburn will want to have Baker-Mazara present on the court.