NBA’s Isaiah Thomas Ejected For Confronting 76ers Fans In Stands, Fans Banned 1 Year For Using Inappropriate Gestures

NBA’s Isaiah Thomas Ejected For Confronting 76ers Fans In Stands; Fans Banned 1-Year For Using Inappropriate Gestures

Washington Wizards guard, Isaiah Thomas was recently ejected from their 126-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers following his confrontation with two fans during Saturday’s (Dec. 22nd) game in Philadelphia. According to reports, Thomas was running back after making one of two free throws and one of the two fans confronted allegedly had his middle fingers up and said, ‘F— you, b—-,’ multiple times to the Wizards star.

The fans, whose names have not been released, we’re close friends to the season ticket holder who gave them their seats for Saturday’s game. Reportedly, not only have both fans been banned from the Wells Fargo Center for a year, the season ticket holders access has also been revoked.

Thomas spoke briefly to reporters after his ejection stating:

“Don’t be disrespectful. I’m a man before anything. Be a fan. That crossed the line. I’ve got kids. I’ve got a family. That’s not OK at all. So I just went to go tell him that. I’m never going to be disrespected in any way.” 

Here’s Isaiah Thomas entertaining the stands “don’t do that man” ? pic.twitter.com/Z3mlBP0fFw

— Seattle Sonics ON Tap (@SonicsONTap) December 22, 2019

As previously reported, there has been a raise in player and fan confrontation over the last two seasons. Back in March, former Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook was captured on video threatening a Utah Jazz fan next to the Thunder bench. According to Westbrook, the fan told him to “get down on your knees like you’re used to,” which provoked a response from Westbrook.

Things get heated between Russell Westbrook and Utah Jazz fans again. “I’ll f*ck you up. You and your wife,” he says. Not sure what these fans said to him, but he also had issues with Jazz fans during the postseason. pic.twitter.com/LquwRmLVNy

— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) March 12, 2019

The NBA Has announced that Westbrook was fined $25,000 for his direct profanity and threats to a fan, according to reports.

In October, the NBA instituted a zero-tolerance policy for abusive or hateful behavior by fans. The new policy followed high-profile incidents involving DeMarcus Cousins, Kyle Lowry and others during the 2018-19 season.

Do you think banning fans fits the punishment for provoking players? Let us know in the comments!