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Charles Barkley to Bo Nix after Auburn QB's comments about SEC officials favoring Alabama: 'Don't poke the bear'

Auburn graduate Charles Barkley appeared as a guest with Paul Finebaum on "The Paul Finebaum Show" on Wednesday.

The pair talked about an array of topics over a 13-minute interview.

Finebaum's final question to Barkley was about the comments Auburn quarterback Bo Nix made on "The Next Round" earlier this week about SEC officiating favoring Alabama.

"Just a few of those controversial calls that were in that game raises some questions for sure, unless you're an Alabama fan. But that's just part of the game," Nix said about Alabama's win over Arkansas on Saturday. "That's not going to change, no matter what happens. But it was a good game for sure."

Nix added later about officiating, "I think you can watch the game, and anybody unbiased will think that something is different, but it is what it is," Nix said. "It's kinda how it's always been. But that's part of the game."

Charles Barkley disappointed in Bo Nix officiating comments

Due to a broken ankle, Nix is not scheduled to play in Saturday's Alabama vs. Auburn football game.

"Well, first of all, I wish he hadn't said that," Barkley said. "Do not poke the bear, especially if you're not playing. When I saw that, I said, 'Oh, calm down little fella.' You're not even playing in the game. Don't poke the bear. So listen, I like Bo Nix. It's unfortunate he got hurt. But I was a little disappointed that he — the only time you poke the bear is if you've got a say in the game. And sitting over there on the sideline, you got no say in the game. So, shhhhh."

Barkley said he will be in attendance at Saturday's Iron Bowl. Barkley is broadcasting TNT's "The Match" on Friday then taking a private jet from Las Vegas to Auburn, Alabama.

"I told TNT, 'The only way I would do that match — I can't miss the Iron Bowl,'" Barkley said. "And they said, 'What if we get you a private jet?' I said, 'Hey, have it waiting at the airport.' As soon as 'The Match' is over, I'm jumping on that plane and getting my butt to Auburn, Alabama."

Charles Barkley greets fans before the 2017 game between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Charles Barkley greets fans before the 2017 game between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Barkley played college basketball at Auburn from 1981-84. He followed that with an NBA career from 1984-2000.

The Alabama vs. Auburn football game is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Erik Hall is the lead digital producer for sports with the USA Today Network. You can find him on Twitter @HallErik.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Charles Barkley 'disappointed' by Auburn QB Bo Nix's Alabama comments