When attending an NBA game involving Russell Westbrook, you may want to be careful about the words you let out of your mouth. Westbrook has never dealt with fan stupidity, but in recent years, it’s like he’s on a crusade to confront any fan who upsets him. Westbrook had another incident with a heckler in the stands on Monday and took time out of his busy schedule to acknowledge him.
“It’s just a shame that the fans think they can say anything, and I personally won’t allow it. As soon as that line is crossed, I won’t allow it anymore. I’ve defended it for years .Now that my son is old enough to know what’s going on…Now I have to stick with it,” Westbrook said after the game.
Only Westbrook, the fan in question and those within earshot know what was said to trigger the former MVP. With many players letting the taunts roll off their backs, we’ve seen a growing number of incidents between fans and players escalate. From Westbrook to LeBron James to Kyrie Irving, athletes are tired of “taking the high road.” The people who attend the matches have so many rights that it is despicable.
Buying a ticket does not give you access to say whatever you want. Heckling, making fun, talking stupid things is one thing. But when fans get too vulgar and start cursing, including using those words that everyone should know are forbidden, that’s when some players draw the line. Athletes are human, like everyone else. Humans larger and more genetically gifted than most, but still human. Everyone has a tipping point, and Westbrook has drawn his line in the sand.
Of course, Westbrook should turn the other cheek, but that method hasn’t always worked for everyone. As long as Westbrook isn’t running into the stands like we’ve seen in the past, it shouldn’t be a bad thing or a bad thing. If you can prepare it, be able to take it too. A few years ago, James had fans kicked out of a match against the Pacers. Westbrook had an incident so play for the Wizards where a fan threw popcorn at him as he left the field to go to the locker room.
Some of these fans need to be brought to naught and have their rights verified. Approaching players in public to troll, knowing there is a buffer, is how clowns move. Yet we see things like this all the time. It’s always best for players to walk away, but it may be more difficult for some. Westbrook is a frequent target and always has been, but he doesn’t accept this behavior. In the NFL, a Buffalo Bills player had an incident this weekend in which he “allegedly” shoved a Philly fan over something he said. There’s a reason why no one likes Eagles fans, but you can’t lose it in the moment as a player.
It would be nice if leagues like the NBA could do more to prevent spectators from overdoing it, but you can’t catch everyone. It’s a problem that will continue to get worse as long as teams serve alcohol at games. There is too much money involved in sponsorships and concession sales to eliminate them. So people will continue to indulge in their liquid courage, which encourages some to say what they feel deep inside.
As for Westbrook, some will disagree, but I have no problem with him barking at these idiots. Fans want to talk crazy, let them. But don’t cry foul when you receive the same energy in return. Too many “fanatics” need a reality check, whether in games or online via social media. Speaking carelessly could put you in your place. Wesbrook seems to be on a mission to do just that with any outlaw fan who gets in his way.
