Jazz Send Code Of Conduct Reminder To Fans Via Email
Mar 14, 2019, 5:24 PM
Fans scream as the Utah Jazz take the lead during the game against the Orlando Magic at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – In the wake of an ugly incident between a Utah Jazz fan and a visiting superstar, the Jazz reminded their fans of their zero tolerance policy with regards to the NBA Fan Code of Conduct.
Prior to hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, the team sent out a mass email to fans with the following sentence in bold, “The Utah Jazz will strictly enforce the NBA Fan Code of Conduct with zero tolerance.”
The email continued, “We do not permit hate speech, racism, sexism or homophobia. We also do not allow disruptive behavior, including bullying, foul or abusive language, or obscene gestures. Violators may be subject to ejection and other penalties, including a lifetime ban.”
The Utah Jazz sent this email out to fans this afternoon reminding them to be respectful and civil while supporting the team. pic.twitter.com/ZcsTdvVYwc
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 14, 2019
Last week, a Jazz fan and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook became involved in an explosive argument during the game. After the fan allegedly shouted something that the former league MVP considered to be racist, Westbrook began a profanity-ridden tirade against the fan and his wife.
The video of Westbrook’s outburst quickly went viral.
After the game, both Westbrook and the fan made comments to the media. In the fan’s view, he was just chirping innocently at the Thunder star while Westbrook felt that the fan had crossed the line with his comments.
After an investigation by both the Jazz and the NBA, both parties received punishments. The fan has been permanently banned from future Jazz games and events at Vivint Smart Home Arena while Westbrook received a $25,000 fine from the NBA.
Former Jazzman Raja Bell had some good things to say about the fans and the organization and how they handled the Russell Westbrook situation on @kanellandbell.https://t.co/v6ezMYvX6i
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 14, 2019
The Jazz are known for having a significantly loud atmosphere at home games, making it difficult for opposing teams to pick up a win in Salt Lake City. The email, which was signed by owner Gail Miller and team president Steve Starks, acknowledged the team’s homecourt advantage and asked fans to remain passionate while maintaining a high level of respect for everyone in the building.
“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,” the email concluded.
