Miami Heat Fan Removed From Game For Heckling Clippers' Russell Westbrook
A Miami Heat fan was escorted from his seat at Kaseya Center during Sunday's game for heckling Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook.
Video of the incident was posted on X, the social media network formerly known as Twitter. It shows Westbrook arguing with the fan, who is seated behind the Clippers bench.
It is unknown what started the argument but the fan and Westbrook are seen in a heated exchange of words. While it's tough to hear what Westbrook is saying, the fan is heard responding repeatedly, "I'm watching the game."
Things reached a boil when the fan said , "I paid for these seats, boy."
The term "boy" is often considered derogatory when directed toward black males. At that point, security guards step in to escort the fan from his seat.
Westbrook is among the players who refuse to put up with heckling from fans. There have been times in the past where he has confronted rude fans sitting courtside or in the lower bowl.
The Heat's loss to the Clippers was their only defeat in the past five games. After defeating the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday, they return to action Sunday against the Boston Celtics at Kaseya Center.
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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat, a Fan Nation channel for Sports Illustrated. He has covered the NBA since 2010.
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