The Auburn Tigers are known for their passion on the court, but after their over-the-top belt-whipping celebration following a big win over Kentucky, it seems like karma—or perhaps the fashion gods—have come knocking. Since that infamous moment of postgame theatrics, Auburn has found themselves in a tailspin, suffering back-to-back losses and leaving fans wondering if the belt was actually a curse in disguise.
The Celebration That Started It All
It all began after Auburn’s thrilling victory over the Kentucky Wildcats, a game that saw them dominate on both ends of the floor. As the final buzzer sounded, the Tigers didn’t just celebrate—they really celebrated. The players took off their belts and started whipping them around like cowboys at a rodeo, embracing the moment as if they had just won the national championship. The fans loved it, the internet exploded with memes, and Auburn players basked in the moment.
But then… the losing started.
From Belt-Waving to Losing Streaks
Since that viral celebration, Auburn has struggled in a way that no one saw coming. Their energy on the court has taken a dip, their shooting has been off, and their defense—once a strength—has been riddled with lapses. Some superstitious fans have begun to whisper about the curse of the belt, suggesting that Auburn may have tempted fate by celebrating a mid-season win a little too hard.
The losses have been painful ones too. A tough overtime defeat against Alabama was particularly frustrating, as Auburn had multiple chances to seal the game but couldn’t close it out. Then came another disappointing performance against Texas A&M, where the Tigers looked sluggish and out of sync, leading to concerns about their ability to bounce back before the postseason.
Can the Tigers Break the Curse?
Of course, Auburn fans aren’t actually blaming a belt celebration for their struggles (well, most of them aren’t). But the sudden shift in fortune has certainly raised eyebrows. Coach Bruce Pearl has downplayed any concerns, instead focusing on the need for the team to regroup and refocus before the SEC tournament.
Still, some fans are calling for drastic measures—like a ceremonial belt-burning to lift the “curse.” Whether the Tigers need better late-game execution or just a good old-fashioned lucky charm, one thing is clear: Auburn needs to get back to winning fast, or that belt-whipping moment will live on in infamy.
