Fans Banned for Unruly Behavior
Source: CNN "3 NBA teams have banned fans for disrespectful behavior during playoff games"
The return to watching sports in person is supposed to be a happy time, including at the NBA playoffs, but clearly some fans have forgotten how to act.
Three NBA teams indefinitely banned fans Thursday after incidents in which attendees exhibited unruly and outright disrespectful behavior toward players on Wednesday. "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," the league said in a statement. "An enhanced fan code of conduct will be vigorously enforced in order to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved."
The National Basketball Players Association also released a statement saying "no true fan" seeks to harm players or violate their personal space.
Here is an overview of the incidents:
- While limping to the locker room of the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia after rolling his ankle, the TV broadcast showed a fan pouring popcorn on Russell Westbrook. Westbrook had to be held back from jumping into the stands.
- The New York Knicks confirmed Thursday that a fan spit on Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young while he was trying to inbound the ball Wednesday during Game 2 of their playoff series.
- Security staff removed three fans Wednesday during Game 2 of the playoff series between the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies in Salt Lake City, according to the Jazz organization. According to Memphis guard Ja Morant, a sexually explicit remark was made to Jamie Morant. Another fan, according to what Tee Morant told ESPN, said to him, "I'll put a nickel in your back and watch you dance, boy." The third fan ejected, Tee Morant said to ESPN, told Jamie Morant, "Shut the f--- up, b----."
According to the Jazz, Knicks, and 76ers organization, the perpetrators of all three incidents have been banned indefinitely from their respective stadiums.
