On Monday night in Utah, Russell Westbrook got into a heated exchange with a Jazz fan seated next to the Thunder’s bench. A video emerged showing Westbrook hurling invectives at both the individual in question and his wife.
After the game, Patrick Patterson told reporters what was said that set Westbrook off, explaining that the man made homophobic comments, which Westbrook confirmed during his own media availability.
Westbrook also didn’t backtrack on his comments, explaining that fans around the league are allowed to verbally abuse players with relative impunity. The Jazz organization issued a statement saying they are investigating the incidence, and now it appears the NBPA are getting involved as well. Here’s a statement from executive director Michele Roberts.
Quote from @MRobertsNBPA to @TheUndefeated on the need for a “zero tolerance policy” for fans at NBA games after Russell Westbrook incident in Utah. pic.twitter.com/OC2z6Of1Oa
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 12, 2019
Westbrook had a run-in with a fan in Utah last season as well and has on multiple occasions criticized the Jazz home crowd for being particularly out of line in the way they interact with opposing teams.
Both Donovan Mitchell and Thabo Sefolosha have come to Westbrook’s defense, echoing the call for a better policy on fan behavior inside arenas. It bears mentioning that none of the fans involved in Monday night’s incident were ejected, and a clearer, more efficacious policy on these matters moving forward is an absolute must to prevent future problems.
