No discipline for Russell Westbrook for fan shove; fan now banned from games
The NBA got this one right.
Thursday night the Nuggets won in dramatic fashion, a Gary Harris game-winner at the buzzer. (Which the NBA said in the two-minute report was legal, Nikola Jokic “shuffles his feet, but does not leave the designated throw-in spot..within one step of his original position in either direction” and he got the pass off in 5.1 seconds.)
Celebrating after the make, one drunk boisterous Nuggets fan went on to the court and got in Russell Westbrook‘s face as he tried to leave the floor. So Westbrook shoved him.
There is no discipline coming for Westbrook from the NBA for this, reports Royce Young of ESPN.
The NBA reviewed the incident but ultimately decided against punishment for Westbrook, as there was no aggression or engagement from the reigning MVP toward the fan. Unlike other player/fan interactions that have produced fines — like Stephen Curry throwing his mouthpiece into the crowd or Rodney Hood knocking a phone out of a fan’s hand while exiting the court — Westbrook didn’t step outside the playing floor to interact with the fan.
That is exactly the correct call by the NBA. Players can’t go into the stands to challenge fans, but conversely, fans can’t come on to the court. That’s the player’s space, and Westbrook was well within his rights even if he initiated the contact.
As for that fan, I hope he enjoyed his last Nuggets’ game in person.
Joined: 02 Jun 2009 Posts: 2415 Location: Far from home
Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 8:06 am Post subject:
I reckon that the fan who stepped out onto the court and confronted RW was lucky that the worst thing that happened to him that night was getting shoved by Westbrook. That's an invitation to getting clocked. _________________ “These GOAT discussions are fun distractions while sitting around waiting for the pizza to be served.”
Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 67614 Location: In a world where admitting to not knowing something is considered a great way to learn.
Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 8:19 am Post subject:
The NBA got this one right, they banned the fan. How are they gonna keep him out? If the guy wants to come to a game he can disguise himself. I don't think they'll put his picture on the jumbo tron every game so fans can point him out to security. Anyone know how they enforce a fan ban? _________________ Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.
All times are GMT - 8 Hours Goto page Previous1, 2
Page 2 of 2
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
