The Atlanta Hawks will investigate an incident that took place where Lakers star LeBron James and fans were sitting in court during Monday’s game in Atlanta. Four fans were put out of the game after words were exchanged between James and the group, and one of the fans posted her side of the story on Instagram.
After the game, James said he did not think the fans should be evicted and talked about how he enjoys attending people. While the fans were escorted out of the game, Hawks chief executive Steve Koonin said the team would investigate the interaction to see if further punishment was needed.
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“I do not know how long it will take,” Koonin said. “This is the first time I have experienced something like this. There is a protocol. The NBA has a code of conduct [placard] on every chair in the building. This is an NBA case in which we are naturally involved. There are NBA security people at every game at every arena in the country. ‘
Koonin did not give details on what the investigation will involve, or what further punishment will be imposed if it is determined that someone is violating the league’s code of conduct. However, the incident will not change the attitude of the Falcons towards the fans in State Farm Arena for the rest of the season.
“Nothing changes,” Koonin said. ‘I’m not sure I understand you [correlation] between what happened tonight and sitting fans in court. I was sitting in the stands, 3 feet further back, so I’m not sure if I was the [correlation]. I do not think that one thing picks up.
“Again, everyone has been tested. There are meticulous NBA protocols we have followed. If there’s some kind of problem with fans and seats in court, I do not see the connection. ‘
The Hawks are one of ten teams in the league that fans allow this season, with 10 percent (1,700 seats) of State Farm Arena open. Everyone who attends games gets a quick test of COVID-19 before being allowed to enter the arena, and all fans must wear masks for the duration of their time inside, except when eating or drinking.
One of the fans who grabbed LeBron for it was seen taking off her mask to yell at him, which is obviously a problem for the league as it tries to proclaim mask wear and general safety during a global pandemic.