In Philly a fan over the the tunnel dropped popcorn on Westbrook who tried to run up to the fan, but was held back by security guards. The fan was ejected and banned. His season tickets were revoked. Tobias Harris, commented, saying, "why did it have to be our fan?" Westbrook was fined $25,000 for directing profanity at the fan. A Denver fan was filmed, berating Carmelo Anthony and other Blazers after game 2 in Denver. The fan called them pussies and lovers, but also said Blazers in 6. Nassir Little had to be held back. In New York a fan spit on Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. He was ejected and banned. In Utah three different fans were ejected for aiming racist and hurftul heckling at Mem guard Ja Morants family. Tee Morant, Ja Morants father said one fan yelled sexually explicit things about his wife. He confronted the fan and security intervened quickly, removing the fan. Another fan told Tee that he would, "put a nickel in hid back and watch him dance, boy." Other Jazz fans who were heckling the Grizzlies in good spirit called the fan out and alerted security who removed him. Another fan told tee Morant's wife to "shut the fuck up bitch", and was also ejected. Tee said other fans were calling Dillon Brooks family, who were also there, halfbreeds. Morant said he may not bring his family to road games anymore and that if knew what was said, he would not have told his family to calm down, but would have let them handle it as they saw fit. The NBA released a statement about the incidents: “The return of more NBA fans to our arenas has brought great excitement and energy to the start of the playoffs, but it is critical that we all show respect for players, officials and our fellow fans. An enhanced fan code of conduct will be vigorously enforced in order to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved.” The 76ers released a statement: After an investigation into the incident that occurred at last night’s game, we have determined that the person involved will have his season ticket membership revoked, effectively immediately. In addition, he will be banned from all events at Wells Fargo Center indefinitely. We apologize to Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards for being subjected to this type of unacceptable and disrespectful behavior. There is no place for it in our sport or arena." The Jazz released a statement: "Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy and play the game in a safe, positive and inclusive environment," Jazz president Steve Starks said in a statement Tuesday. "Offensive and abusive behavior does not reflect the values of the Miller family, our organization and the community. We all have a responsibility to respect the game of basketball and, more importantly, each other as human beings. This has always been a hallmark of our incredible fan base and should forever be our standard moving forward." NBPA director Michele Roberts said, "we should all insist that a zero-tolerance policy needs to be implemented at arenas in the face of misconduct by fans. Players don't have the luxury of being able to unilaterally ban unruly fans from the arenas a la James Dolan. The arenas, therefore, have to do a better job of insulating our players."
My 8 year old son and I had seats right behind the bench at a Murray State game back in the 90s. Let's just say it was not a PG environment... there was a lot of abuse directed at the refs. I didn't bring him back.
Unfortunately some idiots think a ticket gives them carte blanche. And just like being on line makes some people act like assholes under anonymity, being in a crowd can do the same. Throw in alcohol and racism and you get what we saw. I have noticed at women's sports, college and pro, you don't get that kind of behavior, so try taking your kids there.
I mean this applies to literally anything where people feel anonymous or in a position of power. Driving? Eating at a restaurant? Protests?
You know what I think the difference is? Everyone has a camera on them now, and social media allows us to call people out.
Yeah this shits been going on forever. Remember when Vernon Maxwell went after a fan at Memorial Coliseum?
What I noticed in the OP, is that three of the 4 fans were held accountable. The Denver fan doesn't mention anything happened to them.
People are less guarded in what they say now because, it makes them feel 10' tall. With everyone packing smart phone's just waiting for clicks or throwing out tweeet's to rile and flash their ego's.
Bennett Salvatore was HORRIBLE that game. You could just feel that something was going to happen. Didn't expect it to be at the expense of the Bill Walton dolls, but some reaction was a surprise.
i think I saw something about uptick in misbehavior at the capitol. Something about uptick of mass shootings too white people wilding
