What happened between the Clippers’ Russell Westbrook and a Suns fan?
Though the details of exactly what happened are still emerging. What we do know is that the LA Clippers star had a verbal altercation with a Suns fan.
Regardless of what your feelings about the whole scenario are, the idea that Phoenix’s Footprint Center has a player accessible shortcut to the visitor’s locker begs a question from the franchise. Why would you allow for a situation where players and fans alike can share the same space without any apparent concern for the safety of both.
Russell Westbrook had altercation with Suns fan
On Sunday night the Clippers managed to take a major step in their postseason journey as they defeated the highly favored Phoenix Suns 115-110. Yet, the story that seems to have taken center stage is not the win and how it all went down, but rather an incident that took place between the Clippers’ new boy, Russell Westbrook, and a fan of the Phoenix Suns. While using a commonly used route to the visiting team’s locker room which passes through a fan zone, Westbrook got engaged in a verbal confrontation with a fan. Video of the incident appears to show Westbrook arguing with a fan and at that point he can be heard saying, “Watch your mouth, motherf****, watch your mouth” in front of a group of children. The fan can then be heard responding with “take it like a grown-up.” As Westbrook makes his way to the court, an individual can also be heard shouting “talk about it, be about it.” Though both the league and the Suns are reportedly investigating, it almost certainly won’t result in any form of sanction for Westbrook.
*Be advised the video of the incident contains language that is not suitable for work.*
What do we know about Russell Westbrook’s altercation?
While reports have not indicated when the incident occurred, it’s safe to say that Sunday night’s game was an intense affair and Westbrook was one of its protagonists. Aside from his overall solid performance with some key offensive rebounds, it was the former Lakers man that blocked Devon Booker’s shot toward the end of the game, which effectively secured the win for the Clippers.
At any rate, this brings us back to the very first point. Why would Phoenix allow for the possibility that visiting players and home fans could be in the same space in such situations? If it’s not a recipe for disaster, then we’re not sure what counts as one. Whether you prohibit player usage of the short cut, or you remove fans from the area the point remains the same i.e., something should be done. Ultimately, the Clippers got the win and Westbrook was a central part of the reason why. Perhaps the Suns fans should focus more on getting behind their own team, than getting into it with opponent.