Auburn star explains bizarre in-game run-in with actor Morgan Freeman

Auburn star Johni Broome experienced a moment he won't soon forget during a 91-77 win over Ole Miss on Saturday. 

During the 16th-ranked Tigers' victory, Broome was involved in a minor confrontation courtside, slapping away the hand of a fan who'd reached out and made contact with the forward as he made a pass. 

However, the fan in question happened to be legendary actor Morgan Freeman. 

Broome immediately apologized to Freeman but explained the bizarre incident in more detail after the game while speaking with reporters. 

"I thought it was an Ole Miss fan like just grabbing my jersey, holding onto me," Broome said via CBS Sports. "I kind of got their hand off, but I saw who it was — I realized it was him, and I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, I'm a big fan, I'm sorry.'" 

Freeman's response? According to Broome, he said, "Just keep playing." 

So, in the end, no harm, no foul. 

For Broome, it was a real-life star-struck moment. A self-professed "movie guy," the junior said it's probable that he watched one of Freeman's movies on the flight to Ole Miss before Saturday's contest. 

The run-in with Hollywood royalty may have motivated Broome and the Tigers. Trailing Ole Miss by nine at the break, Auburn exploded in the second half en route to a 14-point victory. 

The forward recorded 15 points, shooting 7-of-13 from the field and 1-of-3 beyond the arc while adding team-highs in rebounds (nine) and assists (seven). 

Meanwhile, Broome was one of six Auburn players to finish in double figures. Jaylin Williams led the way with 16 points, followed by Chad Baker-Mazara (15), Broome, K.D. Johnson (11), Denver Jones (11), and Tre Donaldson (10). 

The win helped the Tigers improve to 18-4 overall and 7-2 against the SEC.