OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook assessed $25k fine and Utah Jazz fan receives a lifetime ban for their part in the verbal altercation on March 11, 2019
The Utah Jazz has issued a lifetime ban to the fan (Shane Keisel) who waged in the verbal altercation with OKC Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook. The National Basketball Association has fined Russell Westbrook $25,000 for his part in the altercation.
Kudos to the Jazz and Larry H. Miller ownership group for acting swiftly in this manner and taking the appropriate actions.
The press release states the franchise conducted a thorough investigation which included a review of all film and eye witness accounts. The OKC Thunder players said security was nearby during the verbal accosting which means each of these employees were likely deposed.
Throughout the day other fans also responded on social media stating they were in the same vicinity of the fan and his wife and all cited confirmation that Keisel and his wife did make the statements Westbrook claimed (and worse).
The NBA has fined Russell Westbrook $25k for his part in an altercation with a fan in Utah pic.twitter.com/Fvb8v5p3pV
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) March 12, 2019
Westbrook’s fine was expected and as per the NBA press release was determined based on his profanity and threats to the fan.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Although something of this nature isn’t something Westbrook is likely to repeat there is a certain degree of satisfaction that this incident shone a bright light on an issue which needed resolution in all arenas int the NBA.
Beginning early in the morning news was still filtering in to provide insight on the veracity of events. Just as Thunderous Intentions did, everyone was doing their due diligence to investigate the actual incident and learn more about the Utah fan involved in the altercation.
At the time I wrote the article on the exchange all I had to go on was Russell Westbrook and his teammates account versus the Jazz fan Shane Keisel’s account. It wasn’t until just prior to posting I learned more about Keisel and even then nothing was definitive regarding him other than some shady social media interaction and common “phrasing” used in his tweets.
Although the fine to Westbrook was expected, the fan punishment was less certain, so again kudos to the Utah Jazz franchise for dealing with this situation swiftly and appropriately.
The Jazz fans love their team and hopefully, this will serve to encourage their support of the team while being cognizant there is a line which shouldn’t be crossed in terms of opposition heckling.
Have fun, cheer for your team, jeer the opponent -but remember each of these players are human with families too.