OKC Thunder: Russell Westbrook altercation punctuates need for stricter fan rules

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NBA Adam Silver, (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Actions need to be prompt and specific:

Given there are two very different accounts on what was said it will be difficult for the league to gain swift resolution. There is the OKC Thunder players version of events and Keisel’s version. Each are adamant in their accounts, but that isn’t even the main issue. The fact a security guard was standing there and did nothing just like what happened last spring is the point. Knowing your fanbase has a propensity for going at Westbrook and OKC Thunder players the Jazz should have their security group prepared to address anything of this nature. More importantly, once something starts they need to immediately address it and remove the fans.

Hey, first and foremost I’m a fan, but I know the boundaries. There may be players (and in my case, more likely referees-😉) I’m not overly fond of, but I’m not going to speak to them disparagingly, threaten them or their families, use ignorant language or interact physically. I’m all about the creative, humorous takes — but that’s my limit as it should be for any fan.

I don’t think this situation occurs in every arena either. For example, I was at a Sunday game in Toronto (given it is ‘family day’ there tends to be a lot of children in attendance so language isn’t tolerated). During this particular game, fans were screaming at the refs who seemed to be giving all the calls to the opposing team. One fan used the word “bulls*it” when yelling at the ref. Security immediately went to the man, told him there was no tolerance for language and if he did so again he would be removed.

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This situation in Utah was far more egregious and yet the fans were allowed to stay, (and not warned until after something happened with Westbrook) as were the fans last season during the playoffs.

No doubt the NBA will investigate the incident further and Westbrook may be in line for a fine or suspension. But, the league needs to handle this properly and keep in mind how out of hand these situations are becoming. If for example Westbrook is punished but Keisel and his wife are not, the league is saying they believe the fans over the Thunder players and/or are saying it’s okay to conduct yourself in this manner.

The precedent that will set is problematic. Having not been present, I don’t want to jump to conclusions. Yet, Keisel’s tweet from a year ago (along with several others on his account) sure does offer a reason to doubt his story.

And, let’s be clear, why would Felton and Patterson who have no history of problems with fans (in fact, it’s more like the opposite scenario with Patterson’s movie nights) go out of their way to speak on this matter if it wasn’t true? Given the precise wording in Keisel’s tweet calling Westbrook “classless” and suggesting he needed his behind kicked sure paints a negative picture.

If you were on a jury and presented the two sides of what happened and then shown that tweet wouldn’t it make you think Keisel is the one not telling the truth?

Ultimately, if the NBA doesn’t protect the players or there is no action by the Jazz franchise for this incident I’m afraid it will escalate into being open season on the players. The possibility of what might occur if that scenario is allowed is exactly the opposite of what the NBA (or the majority of fans who love the sport and players) should want.

Adam Silver needs to address this situation promptly and establish unequivocal standards on fan conduct. At a minimum, the players need to feel safe and that their league supports making that a standard.

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Fans should also be able to share in the entertainment of the game and love for their team and favorite players. Here’s hoping a few bad apples don’t spoil it for those of us who do appreciate the players and game.

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