2021 NBA Playoffs Plagued by Fans’ Unruly Behavior

The 2021 NBA Playoffs have been tainted by numerous instances of fans assaulting players with food items and one occasion, with their own spit.

Sure, as playoff series progress, tensions tend to mount between opponents and both teams and their respective fanbases tend to bring out their competitive edge. But being passionate and competitive doesn’t give fans the right to harass or even assault players.

“That’s no reason for them to act childish,” Brooklyn Nets’ forward Kevin Durant said.

Durant calls it childish; we call it abusive behavior.

Why?

Because players have to maintain a professional persona and can’t retaliate.

Fans are taking advantage of the fact that players can’t take matters into their own hands; lest they wish to risk being suspended or even removed from the league. It’s a power struggle that has finally come to light in the midst of the NBA’s return to normal, in-person games.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, yes, we’re aware that most professional players are paid an overwhelming amount of money to play a sport. Yes, as athletes they are subject to heckling, trash talking and any other antic that fans will use to try and distract them. But under no circumstances should a player be subjected to harassment or even assault.

Excuses can be made to shield and protect those people who decided to throw food items on Russell Westbrook or Kyrie Irving. Or even for the fan who thought it wise to spit on Trae Young. Say what you may, but that kind of behavior isn’t passion, it’s an abomination.

If someone were to spit on another person in public, especially in New York City, it probably wouldn’t turn out well for the aggressor. So why is it okay to spit at another person within the realm of a professional sports event?

Oh wait, I forgot players are celebrities and as such are fair game for fans, right?

American professional sporting events are supposed to be a family-friendly environment; so what kind of example are these fans setting for their children and the younger generations?

When you dislike a player, you throw food at and spit at him and sit back and watch as that player helplessly just takes the abuse? Or play the victim when you are held accountable for your actions and pretend like it wasn’t you?

“When you come to these games, you got to realize that these men [the players] are human,” Durant said.

As such, players should be treated as human beings— with respect. Just because you may not like a certain player, doesn’t give you the right to exemplify such egregious behavior.

“You coming to a game is not all about you as a fan,” Durant said.

Yes, fans do pay a ticket in exchange for entertainment, but attending an NBA game is a privilege, not a right. Where privilege goes, responsibility follows. That responsibility is owed to the game, the players and even the surrounding fans.

So, go ahead, NBA fans. Have fun and talk your trash, cheer for your team and enjoy the game. However, under no circumstances should you partake in any behavior that would upset your parents.

As Durant stated, “Your mother wouldn’t be proud of you throwing water bottles at basketball players or spitting on players or tossing popcorn.”