Westbrook: Fan Interaction Has Gone Too Far

I am writing this column after the unfortunate incident involving Kyle Lowry in Game 3 of the Finals. Kyle collided with some fans that were sitting courtside as he chased down a loose ball. One of the fans objected to Kyle’s hustle. The brute delivered an aggressive shove to Lowry’s shoulder and berated the player with obscenities. His behavior was disgusting and inappropriate. The officiating crew rightly tossed the fan from the game. However, this behavior has become all too familiar in NBA arenas. The abuse NBA players suffer on a nightly basis from its fans is a stain on the reputation of professional basketball.

I’ve had my share of incidents from just this season alone. Some of them were highly documented, on-the-court incidents that happened on the NBA’s watch – others took place away from the workplace. Just the other week, I was working out early in the morning at my local gym. I was doing barbell squats in the corner of the gym where the designated squat rack is located. I was listening to music through my earbuds. The music was very loud and admittedly beyond the safe recommendations of the World Health Organization. However, loud music energizes me. I like to blare my music before heavy sets to improve gym performance. During one of my rest sets, some fucking knucklehead sneaks up behind me and taps on my shoulder. He asked me if I was finished using the 15 lbs. dumbbells. I freaked out. First of all, what do I look like, a bitch? Who uses 15 lbs. dumbbells? Second of all, I am clearly doing squats. What could I possibly being using that baby weight for while I am in the squat rack? Finally, you can’t sneak around and tap NBA players on the shoulder like that. You can’t touch a player like that. Never on the court and certainly not off the court either. This was an obvious attempt for a fan to get their 15 minutes of fame. The NBA must do more to protect their players.

My proposal is for the NBA to completely revamp their game experience. The environment of an NBA game should be similar to that of an opera. Games should be a suit and tie affair. Fans should be respectful of the players and show due reverence towards the game of basketball.

Fans are allowed to:

• Clap for extraordinary exhibitions of athleticism and basketball skill.
• Periodically whisper to their neighbors.
• Those behind the basketball are allowed to stand and scowl at visiting team players when they shoot free-throws.
• Enjoy tasty three courses meals served by concession stand culinary artists.
• Sip on aged spirits brewed at on-site distilleries.
• Purchase oil painting or ink blot representations of the game from our contingent of stadium artists (flash photography will not be allowed).
• Whisper positive encouragement to players they encounter.  

Fans are NOT allowed:

• Shout, scream, or laugh.
• Use vulgar language or gestures.
• Run around the premises.
• Wear cargo shorts.
• Make consecutive trips to the bathroom within the same half hour period (very disruptive).
• Scowl at players when they are not shooting free throws.
• Use flash photography.
• Use their cellular devices.

This is just a rough outline, but I think it comprehensively covers a number of grievances players have with the NBA game atmosphere. The proposed sober atmosphere will work wonders towards the ultimate goal of eliminating unruly fan behavior. The NBA should also provide its players with 24-hour a day security to protect them from fan interactions wherever they occur. If the NBA implements my recommendations, the league will be on the road to a safer, more enjoyable game environment for all.