On the heels of new fan incidents in arenas interacting with players in especially negative ways perhaps related to former Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving’s comments after Game 2 of his Brooklyn Nets’ series with the Celtics, the NBA has released a statement just weeks after fans began returning to arenas.
After a fan dumped popcorn on Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook as his team played the Philadelphia 76ers and another who allegedly spit on Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young in their series with the New York Knicks, the league stated that it was “critical” to “show respect for players, officials and fellow fans” with the return to arenas for fans.
“An enhanced fan code of conduct will be vigorously enforced in order to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved,” it continued.
Given the fraught and repetitive nature of such encounters and the long pause since fans have been in arenas in any great numbers, the proactive statement by the league is a wise one.
So long as it is accompanied by the “vigorous enforcement it sites.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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