The Atlanta Hawks will open an investigation into an incident that took place between Lakers star LeBron James and fans sitting in court during Monday night’s game in Atlanta. Four fans were kicked out of the game after words were exchanged between James and the group, with one of the fans posting her side of the story on Instagram.
After the game, James said he did not think the fans should have been sent off and shared how he enjoyed attending people. While fans were being escorted from the game, Hawks CEO Steve Koonin said the team will look into the interaction to see if further punishment is needed.
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“I don’t know how long this is going to take,” said Koonin. ‘It is the first time that I have experienced something like this. There is a protocol. The NBA has a code of conduct [placard] on every seat in the building. This is an NBA issue that we are clearly involved in. There are NBA security people at every game in every arena in the country. ‘
Koonin did not go into details of what the investigation will entail, or what further punishment would be imposed if someone is found to have violated the competition’s fans’ code of conduct. However, the incident will not change the position of the Hawks to have fans in State Farm Arena for the remainder of the season.
“Nothing changes,” said Koonin. ‘I’m not sure I understand you [correlation] between what happened tonight and fans sitting at the court. I was sitting in the stands a meter further back, so I’m not sure I understand [correlation]. I don’t think that one thing is right.
“Again, everyone has been tested. There are rigorous NBA protocols that we have followed.
The Hawks are one of 10 teams in the league to admit fans this season, with 10 percent (1,700 seats) of State Farm Arena open. Anyone attending games will be given a COVID-19 rapid test before entering the arena, and all fans are required to wear masks while inside, except while eating or drinking.
One of the fans joining LeBron was seen putting her mask down to yell at him, which would clearly be a problem for the competition as it tries to preach mask wearing and general safety during a global pandemic.