WATCH: Wild scene leads to multiple Alabama ejections, including an assistant coach
Multiple Alabama players and an assistant coach were ejected following a skirmish in the second half of Wednesday’s game against Auburn. Crimson Tide star Charles Bediako was among the ejections.
Bediako and Rylan Griffen were both tossed from the game, as was an assistant coach. The two players crossed half court after an incident between Jahvon Quinerly and Wendell Green. According to NCAA rules, anyone who comes off the bench is subject to discipline. It’s unclear which assistant coach was ejected.
The play occurred with 7:31 to play in the game and delayed play for about 10 minutes while officials sorted everything out. Also, amid the review, Auburn star Johni Broome committed his fifth foul, meaning the Tigers will have to go the rest of the way without him.
Bediako is the biggest loss for Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide with 1.7 blocks per game entering play Wednesday. He also had four points and four rebounds at the time of his ejection. Griffen is also a key player as a freshman, averaging 6.8 points per game off the bench.
Wednesday’s game has significant SEC implications. Alabama can win the league outright with a victory, and Auburn can play spoiler by pulling off the upset. The Crimson Tide has already clinched at least a share of the title. Prior to the game, the ESPN2 broadcast said Nate Oats has contingency plans standing by if the Crimson Tide can pull off the victory and win the conference outright for the second time in three years.
“Nate Oats said, ‘We’ll bring the ladders out,’” Tom Hart said on the broadcast. “‘We will cut down the nets with a win.’”
Alabama won the last matchup with Auburn in The Jungle 77-69 earlier this year. The Crimson Tide enter play Wednesday with victories in seven of its last nine games as the SEC Tournament draws closer.