UTAH JAZZ

Jazz Fan Permanently Banned From Vivint Smart Home Arena

Mar 12, 2019, 3:12 PM | Updated: Mar 13, 2019, 12:07 am

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Almost 24 hours after a verbal incident with Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook, Utah Jazz fan Shane Keisel has been permanently banned from all events at Vivint Smart Home Arena, including Jazz games and concerts.

The Jazz organization released a statement Tuesday afternoon after conducting an investigation into the confrontation between Keisel and the former league MVP.

In a press release, they announced their decision to issue “a permanent ban of the fan who engaged in the inappropriate interaction” with Westbrook.

A video posted during the game showed Westbrook speaking with a fan, and threatening a physical altercation with both the fan and his wife.

The Thunder star claimed after the game that racial comments sparked his reaction. Shortly after the Jazz issued their statement, the NBA league office announced a $25,000 fine for Westbrook in relation to the altercation.


MORE FROM WESTBROOK INCIDENT 


The organization released a statement, explaining why they banned the fan.

The Utah Jazz and Larry H. Miller Group announced today a permanent ban of the fan who engaged in the inappropriate interaction with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook last night at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The ban is effective immediately and includes all arena events.

The organization conducted an investigation through video review and eyewitness accounts. The ban is based on excessive and derogatory verbal abuse directed at a player during the game that violated the NBA Code of Conduct.

The Utah Jazz will not tolerate fans who act inappropriately. There is no place in our game for personal attacks or disrespect.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy and play the game in a safe, positive and inclusive environment,” said Steve Starks, president of the Utah Jazz. “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.”

Keisel’s Twitter account – which has now been deleted – had tweets that mentioned racial comments, including after the game on Monday.

  • Utah Jazz Scoreboard

  • Utah Jazz Team Leaders

  • Utah Jazz Standings

Utah Jazz

Kenneth Lofton Jr. #34 of the Utah Jazz is guarded by Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warr...

Ben Anderson

Three Utah Jazz Players Earn G League Honors

Kenneth Lofton Jr., Jason Preston, and Darius Bazley all took home G League honors after signing with the Utah Jazz this season.

9 hours ago

Lauri-Markkanen-Utah-Jazz-NBA...

Ben Anderson

Will Lauri Markkanen Sign Contract Extension With Jazz?

The Utah Jazz enter the 2024 offseason with their eyes set on signing Lauri Markkanen to a contract extension.

2 days ago

Utah Jazz Notes season outcomes Lauri Markkanen...

Chandler Holt

Jazz Notes Season Grades: Did Utah’s Season Go As Planned?

The Utah Jazz had a very interesting season. With a bottom-10 record, many fans were left wondering if this was the plan all along.

2 days ago

Keyonte-George-Utah-Jazz-NBA...

Ben Anderson

Utah Jazz Mailbag: Is Keyonte George’s Shooting A Concern?

Welcome to the Utah Jazz mailbag where every week our NBA insiders answer your questions on social media about your favorite team.

2 days ago

Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge...

Ben Anderson

Danny Ainge: Jazz Ready To Go ‘Big Game Hunting’

With the Utah Jazz 2023-24 season complete, CEO Danny Ainge opened up about the team's successes and failures, and its plans for the future.

2 days ago

Lauri-Markkanen-Utah-Jazz-NBA...

Ben Anderson

What Will Utah Jazz Do This Offseason?

Though all eyes will be on the Arizona Coyotes relocation, the Utah Jazz enter an offseason that will help sculpt the organization's future.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

ksl-sports-newsletter...

KSL Sports

KSL Sports Newsletter: Sign Up Now

Sign up today for the KSL Sports newsletter. Get the latest Utah sports news delivered to your inbox.

...

KSL Sports

Jazz Notes Newsletter: Sign Up Now

Sign up today for the Jazz Notes newsletter. Get insider analysis, game recaps and opportunities to win tickets!

Follow @kslsports...

The Road Home Mediathon 2023

The KSL Sports Zone and KSLSports.com are proud to support the all-day Mediathon 2023 at the Road Home, an annual tradition to raise money and other essential items for the Road Home, a Homeless Shelter.

3 kids wearing real salt lake jerseys smiling...

Real Salt Lake

6 Reasons You Need to Experience a RSL Matchday

RSL Games are a great way to spend time with your family with fun activities, good food, and traditions you can only experience at the field.

High angle view of the beautiful Rose Bowl Stadium...

KSL Digital Sales

How to Prepare for the 2023 Rose Bowl

Everything you need to know to plan your 2023 Rose Bowl trip in Pasadena, California. This year, the Utes will face Penn State.

Jordan-Clarkson-Utah-Jazz...

KSL Digital Sales

Notable Moments From The Utah Jazz Season… So Far

At the beginning of the season, the Utah Jazz were second to last. Now they rank in the top 10 teams in the Western Conference.

Jazz Fan Permanently Banned From Vivint Smart Home Arena