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Uncomfortable Moment Between Walter Clayton Jr. and Florida Mascot Is All Over Social Media

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 5:45 PM ET

The Florida Gators were crowned as national champions Monday evening in San Antonio, Texas after they beat the Houston Cougars 65-63 in the NCAA Tournament Championship.

Although he didn't have his best shooting game, star guard Walter Clayton Jr. still found ways to make an impact, dishing out eight assists, recording two steals and a block. Regardless of his quiet night from the floor that saw him score just 11 points, he still ended up being named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

As one could imagine, plenty of family, teammates and fans wanted a photo with him after the game, but an interaction between him and "Albert," the mascot, has caught the attention of fans online.

While Clayton was taking photos with his family, the mascot jumped in. Clayton then appeared to have to tell the mascot to get out of the picture twice.

Hilarious watching Walter Clayton Jr tell the Florida Gators mascot to get out of his family picture…hilarious. #NationalChampionship #NCAATournament #NCAA #NationalChampions #Florida #Gators #Houston #Cougars pic.twitter.com/qFLtz1ItOO
— Artie Schweitzer (@ArtieSchweitzer) April 8, 2025

""Get out big boy!" LOL," wrote one fan.

"No way he had to tell him twice," joked another.

"Gator was juiced he ain’t know lol," added one fan in defense of Albert.

"Mascot was just totally unaware," commented another.

"Oh no Albert," said a fifth.

It seems unlikely that neither Clayton nor Albert ment any harm by the interaction, but clearly Clayton wanted some flicks just with his family and not a stranger in a suit.

For Clayton, helping lead Florida to its first title in 18 years is a fantastic bow on what was a great college career. The former 0-star recruit is now expected to test his luck in NBA draft waters after what was a tremendous tournament.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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