Snyder, Mitchell Want Ejected Jazz Fans Banned Permanently
May 28, 2021, 7:21 PM
Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder talks to guard Donovan Mitchell (45) on the sideline during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. (Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
(Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Both Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell and Quin Snyder said they’d like to see the Jazz fans that made sexist and racist comments toward Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant’s family banned from Vivint Arena permanently.
Three Jazz fans were ejected from Wednesday’s game two after making hateful remarks tpwards Morant’s parents who traveled to Utah to support their son.
The organization initially banned the fans indefinitely, but the two of the key faces of the franchise would like to see the bans enforced permanently.
“Banning them is great,” Mitchell said. “But I don’t think they should ever be back. I understand there’s more to it than that, and I understand that’s what the league and teams are working on, but I feel like there’s no place for that in life.”
.@spidadmitchell, @RyanQualtrics, and @DwyaneWade shared their thoughts and feelings after three individuals were banned from @vivintarena following an incident during Game 2 against the @memgrizz.#TakeNote #NBA #NBAPlayoffs https://t.co/heZ4zoHilU
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) May 28, 2021
After the Jazz game two victory, several members of the Jazz organization reacted to the news of the fans’ behavior.
“Memphis Grizzlies and Morant family… we are embarrassed and sorry,” Jazz owner Ryan Smith posted. “The @UtahJazz have zero tolerance for offensive behavior. We are committed to creating a respectful, competitive environment.”
Minority owner Dwyane Wade echoed the sentiments.
“If we turn our backs on this kind of behavior we’re all a part of the problem. This will not be tolerated!” Wade posted. “Apologies once again to Ja and his family.”
Quin Snyder opens his presser:
"First I want to apologize to Ja and his family. No one should have to be subjected to that kind of behavior that they were the other night. It's deplorable."
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) May 29, 2021
After the Jazz arrived in Memphis, Snyder shared his thoughts on the ugly incident and also called for the fans who harassed Morant’s parents to be banned permanently.
“I want to apologize to Ja and his family,” Snyder said. “No one should have to be subjected to that kind of behavior that they were the other night. It’s deplorable. The people that made those comments should be banned for life.”
The Jazz and Grizzlies will play games three and four in Memphis, before returning to Utah for game five.
