Jazz Fan Permanently Banned From Vivint Smart Home Arena
Mar 12, 2019, 3:12 PM | Updated: Mar 13, 2019, 12:07 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Almost 24 hours after a verbal incident with Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook, Utah Jazz fan Shane Keisel has been permanently banned from all events at Vivint Smart Home Arena, including Jazz games and concerts.
The Jazz organization released a statement Tuesday afternoon after conducting an investigation into the confrontation between Keisel and the former league MVP.
In a press release, they announced their decision to issue “a permanent ban of the fan who engaged in the inappropriate interaction” with Westbrook.
A video posted during the game showed Westbrook speaking with a fan, and threatening a physical altercation with both the fan and his wife.
The Thunder star claimed after the game that racial comments sparked his reaction. Shortly after the Jazz issued their statement, the NBA league office announced a $25,000 fine for Westbrook in relation to the altercation.
MORE FROM WESTBROOK INCIDENT
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- Dwyane Wade, Other NBA Players React To Russell Westbrook Incident
- Donovan Mitchell Releases Statement Regarding Russell Westbrook Incident
The organization released a statement, explaining why they banned the fan.
The Utah Jazz and Larry H. Miller Group announced today a permanent ban of the fan who engaged in the inappropriate interaction with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook last night at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The ban is effective immediately and includes all arena events.
The organization conducted an investigation through video review and eyewitness accounts. The ban is based on excessive and derogatory verbal abuse directed at a player during the game that violated the NBA Code of Conduct.
The Utah Jazz will not tolerate fans who act inappropriately. There is no place in our game for personal attacks or disrespect.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy and play the game in a safe, positive and inclusive environment,” said Steve Starks, president of the Utah Jazz. “Offensive and abusive behavior does not reflect the values of the Miller family, our organization and the community. We all have a responsibility to respect the game of basketball and, more importantly, each other as human beings. This has always been a hallmark of our incredible fan base and should forever be our standard moving forward.”
Keisel’s Twitter account – which has now been deleted – had tweets that mentioned racial comments, including after the game on Monday.
