Awkward moment March Madness star Walter Clayton Jr. tells Florida mascot to get out of family photo
Florida’s March Madness celebrations took an awkward turn on Monday night, when Walter Clayton Jr. told the Gators mascot to get out of his family photo.
Clayton Jr. was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player after he led Florida to victory over Houston in the national championship game.
The 22-year-old guard cemented himself as one of the brightest prospects in men’s basketball as Florida won its third title in San Antonio.
The Gators enjoyed wild post-game celebrations on the court but cameras caught the moment the team mascot overstayed his welcome.
Clayton was seen holding the trophy and posing for pictures alongside the mascot, his girlfriend Tatiyana and their one-year-old daughter Leilani.
A few seconds later, however, the basketball star could be seen telling the mascot to leave the shot.
Walter Clayton Jr. told the Florida Gators mascot to leave his family photograph
The 22-year-old inspired Florida to the national championship and then led the celebrations
Clayton’s mother then tried to join in the picture but she, too, appeared to be told that the young family wanted a picture on their own.
The situation became even more awkward when the mascot then attempted to put his arm around Clayton again, only to be asked to leave once more.
A few minutes earlier, the guard produced a decisive answer to a Houston defense that had bullied, battered and bedeviled him all night.
Right before the buzzer, he made his own defensive stop that secured the win and the national title.
The Gators overcame a 12-point deficit to win 65-63 in thriller. Clayton finished with 11 points, all in the second half.
