Fan Code Of Conduct: NBA, Teams Take Action Against Unruly Spectators
Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 09:12PM NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service
UPDATED May 30, 2021: A spectator was handcuffed and escorted out of TD Garden in Boston Sunday night after throwing a water bottle at Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving as he was leaving the court following the Nets victory over the Celtics.
"We will support and provide assistance to Boston Police as this incident is under review," TD Garden spokesperson Tricia McCorkle said via the venue. "We have zero tolerance for violations of our guest code of conduct, and the guest is subject to a lifetime ban from TD Garden."
He also could be charged with "one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon."
May 27, 2021: Following three incidents of unruly spectator behavior involving players during the playoffs on Wednesday, the NBA issued the following statement today:
“The return of more NBA fans to our arenas has brought great excitement and energy to the start of the playoffs, but it is critical that we all show respect for players, officials and our fellow fans.
"An enhanced fan code of conduct will be vigorously enforced in order to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved.”
National Basketball Players Assn. statement on fan behavior:
“True fans of this game honor and respect the dignity of our players. No true fan would seek to harm them or violate their personal space. Those who do have no place in our arenas.
“And their conduct is appropriately evaluated by law enforcement just as if it occurred on a public street.
“Respect our Players.
“Respect our Game.”
“True fans of this game honor and respect the dignity of our players. No true fan would seek to harm them or violate their personal space."
Philadelphia 76ers: “The fan who spilled popcorn on Russell Westbrook (Washington Wizards) last night will have his season ticket membership revoked, effectively immediately.
"In addition, he will be banned from all events at Wells Fargo Center indefinitely.
"We apologize to Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards for being subjected to this type of unacceptable and disrespectful behavior. There is no place for it in our sport or arena."
New York Knicks: “We investigated the matter and determined that this patron, who is not a season ticket holder. did indeed spit on Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), and for that reason he is now banned from The Garden (Madison Square Garden) indefinitely.
"We apologize to Trae and the entire Atlanta Hawks organization for this fan’s behavior. . . .
"We have turned the information over to the proper authorities.”
Utah Jazz: Following a situation in which the family of Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies) was verbally abused while attending the Grizzlies-Jazz game in Utah’s Vivint Arena, the Jazz released this statement:
”The Utah Jazz have zero tolerance for offensive or disruptive behavior.
“An incident occurred last night involving a verbal altercation during Game 2.
“Arena security staff intervened, and the investigation resulted in the removal and banning of three Jazz fans indefinitely.
“We apologize to all who were impacted by this unfortunate incident and condemn unacceptable fan behavior. The Utah Jazz are committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment."
Among the rules in the NBA Fan Code of Conduct:
- Players and fans respect and appreciate each other.
- Guests will be treated in a professional and courteous manner by all arena and team personnel.
- Guests will enjoy the basketball experience free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language and obscene gestures.
- Guests who engage in fighting, throwing objects or attempting to enter the court will be immediately ejected from the arena.