Jazz Ban Second Fan For Separate Incident Involving Westbrook
Mar 15, 2019, 11:42 AM | Updated: 11:44 am
Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder tries to drive past the defense of Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz in the second half during Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 23, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Jazz beat the Thunder 113-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz have issued a permanent ban to a second fan for another incident that happened at Vivint Smart Home Arena involving former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook.
KSL Sports has confirmed the ban was issued this week after a video came to light of an incident that happened before Game 4 of the Jazz’s first round playoff series with the Oklahoma City Thunder last year.
The video was sent to Deseret News Jazz beat writer Eric Woodyard, who first reported the story.
To Russell Westbrook’s defense, here is even further proof of his previous interactions with Utah Jazz fans. In this video, @russwest44 is called a “boy” by a Jazz fan ahead of Game 4 of OKC’s first-round playoff series against Utah on April 23, 2018 at Vivint Arena. pic.twitter.com/lc6slA7fTo
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) March 13, 2019
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Westbrook could be seen dancing courtside during warmups near Jazz fans. On the recording, the fan could be heard yelling toward the NBA player.
“Yeah, let’s go,” the fan said before something inaudible, seemingly about the dancing. Then, “Get down, Russ! Here we go, boy.”
After gaining Westbrook’s attention, the two exchanged words before the player turned and called for security. A brief conversation ensued before security began motioning to the fan and saying something that could not be deciphered.
It was unknown if the fan was kicked out of the game at that time, and their identity was not available, .
Officials with the Utah Jazz confirmed Friday that the fan involved in the incident has been issued a permanent ban from all arena events.
It’s the second fan banned by the Jazz in the last week.
