The 36-year-old was apparently insulted by four people, but James is also said to have used not very fine words, according to a party on Monday (local time). The Hawks are now investigating the case, as confirmed by club boss Steve Koonin.
The referees stopped the game, then expelled the four people from the hall. One woman accused James of offending her husband. James rejected this representation after the game. “I don’t mean to say he freaked out, but he was a little over it,” said the four-time NBA champion. “I did my part and we could have just continued. But I think the referees heard it too and then had to react.”
However, James found the expulsion of the fans excessive. “It looked bigger than it really was,” said the two-time Olympic champion. Like his colleagues, he is happy that fans are allowed to play at the NBA games again. “I miss this interaction. I need this interaction. We as players need this interaction. I don’t feel like getting kicked was justified.”
The Hawks are one of nine NBA teams currently admitting fans to their home games. In Atlanta they have to wear masks and have rapid tests done. The woman who accused James of the insults can be seen on a video without a mask on the sidelines.
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