FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots had a visitor in their locker room after Saturday night’s divisional playoff win over the Indianapolis Colts: Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.
When Barkley began taking pictures with Patriots players, he said he would only pose with SEC players. Barkley attended Auburn University, which played in this season’s BCS National Championship.
Barkley took a special liking to Dont’a Hightower, an Alabama graduate. The two battled back and forth about Alabama and Auburn’s Iron Bowl rivalry. Barkley had this season’s results — the Tigers won — and Hightower has the recent history — the Crimson Tide has won four of the last six matchups.
As the media scrummed around Hightower, Barkley pushed some reporters aside (myself included), took WCVB’s microphone and held his own news conference with the Patriots linebacker. Check out the transcript below.
Barkley: So what did you think about Auburn going to the national championship game?
Hightower: Did they win?
Barkley: They beat Alabama?
Hightower: But did they win?
Barkley: I’m just saying. We’re the Alabama state champions. So, how do you feel about Auburn just kicking your ass this year?
Hightower: Out of the last couple years, how many did y’all win?
Barkley: Well, we’re living in the present.
Hightower: We’ll give y’all this year.
Barkley: I’m just saying.
Hightower: We’ll give y’all this year.
Barkley: So, what did you think about the Iron Bowl this year?
Hightower: Next question.
Barkley: Would you like to congratulate Auburn on having a great season even though they lost to Florida State? They did have a great season. This is your chance to say “Hey listen, Auburn, you had a great season.”
Hightower: I can’t do that. I can’t. I can’t. It’s in me. I can’t.
The two then hugged, and Barkley told Hightower he would see him next week. Barkley goes way back with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, which explains Sir Charles’ presence in the locker room.
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