The Atlanta Hawks will open an investigation into an incident that happened between Lakers star LeBron James and fans sitting on the 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 his side of the story on Instagram.
After the game, James said he didn’t think the fans should have been kicked out and talked about how he enjoyed having people present. As fans were escorted out of the game, Hawks CEO Steve Koonin said the team will analyze the interaction to see if more punishment is needed.
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“I don’t know how long it will take,” said Koonin. “It is the first time that I have tried something like this. There is a protocol. The NBA has a code of conduct [placard] in every chair in the building. It is an NBA issue that we are obviously involved in. There are NBA security guards in every game, in every arena in the country. “
Koonin did not elaborate on what the investigation would involve, or what additional punishment would be imposed if it were determined that someone had violated the league’s fans’ code of conduct. However, the incident will not change the Hawks’ position on having fans at the State Farm Arena for the rest of the season.
“Nothing is changing,” said Koonin. “I’m not sure I understand your [correlation] between what happened tonight and the fans sitting on the court. I sat down in the stands, a meter behind, so I’m not sure I understood the [correlation]. I don’t think anything goes away.
“Again, everyone has been tested. There are strict NBA protocols that we follow. If there are any problems with fan behavior and seating on the court, I don’t see the connection.”
The Hawks are one of 10 teams in the league that allow fans this season, with 10 percent (1,700 seats) of the State Farm Arena open. All participants in the games undergo a COVID-19 quick test before being allowed to enter the arena, and all fans are required to wear masks for as long as they are inside, except to eat or drink.
One of the fans who got involved with LeBron was seen taking off his mask to yell at him, which would obviously be a problem for the league, which tries to preach mask and general safety during a global pandemic.