The Utah Jazz permanently banned fan Shane Keisel from Vivint Smart Home Arena after a team investigation concluded that he shouted derogatory remarks at Thunder guard Russell Westbrook.
Initial video showed Westbrook shouting expletives at a fan, and it wasn’t until after the game that we learned Westbrook was told, “Get down on your knees like you’re used to.”
Yet, this wasn’t the first time that Westbrook has experienced racist heckling from Utah Jazz fans.
Video circulated Tuesday night of an interaction that Westbrook had with a Jazz fan ahead of Game 4 of the Thunder’s 2018 playoff matchup with the Jazz. Westbrook can be seen dancing in front of the bench while Jazz fans shout at him.
When one unidentified fan yelled at Westbrook, “Here we go, boy,” the Thunder guard confronted the fan.
Westbrook can be seen replying, “Don’t call me boy.” “Boy” is a derogatory term aimed at African Americans when used in that context.
Despite Westbrook’s response, the fan continued to use the term at Westbrook. He got an usher’s attention and pointed out the fan. The usher told the fan to stop just as the video ended.
In their statement on Tuesday, the Jazz pledged to not tolerate fans who engage in personal attacks or disrespectful behavior.
