Un fan of the Sixers threw popcorn at Russell Westbrook when he retired injured by the changing room tunnel and the base of the Wizards had to be restrained by the ward staff Wells Fargo Center so she wouldn’t go up in the stands to confront him. The events occurred when there were 10 minutes remaining for the end of the second game of the series between the two teams in which those of Philadelphia 2-0 after winning 120-95. The young bystander who was sitting by the tunnel was escorted by security shortly after. Had Westbrook reached the stands, the brawl would have been massive.
Westbrook, how could it be otherwise, showed his anger after the game: “This shit is getting out of hand, especially with me. The amount of disrespect, the amount of fans who just do what they want … There are certain things that cross the line. In any other scenario … If a guy on the street throws popcorn on my head, you know what happens.. You have to start protecting the players in the pavilions. We’ll see what the NBA does. “
It didn’t take long to show support for Westbrook. Your teammate Bradley Beal called the incident “disgusting” and the Wizards coach, Scott Brooks, called for the individual to be expelled by the NBA: “It’s a very disrespectful act. Philadelphia is better than that,” Brooks said. Also LeBron James He expressed his opinion on social media. “We as players want to see who threw that popcorn at Russ as he walked off the court tonight with an injury. There is no excuse! Because if the shoe was on the other foot,” he posted wondering what would have happened if the aggressor would have been a player.
Valerie Camillo, president of business operations for the Wells Fargo Center, issued a statement shortly after the game: “This was unacceptable behavior and we will not tolerate it. We are proud to have the most passionate fans in the country and the best advantage playing home, but this kind of behavior has no place in our field. “
It is not the first time that Westbrook has had an incident with rival fans. Four years ago, also in Philadelphia, a fan was expelled for shaking him and in 2019, in Utah, another was expelled for life from the pavilion after a verbal altercation with the point guard while he was in the penalty box. Thunder.
“There are many incidents where the fans say whatever and the consequences for me are much greater than for them. In the stands they feel untouchable. Obviously, I have learned to look the other way, but up to a point. There has to be some sanctions or something so that they can’t come to the games and do or say what they want. I’m tired and I don’t see anything change. It only gets worse. Let them throw food on me … “, he criticized.
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