Tackled fan faces ban, criminal charges after running onto court during 76ers-Wizards game
In Monday's episode of NBA fans behaving badly, a spectator at Capitol One Arena ran onto the court where he was tackled by a security guard before being rushed off the floor.
The incident occurred during the third quarter of the Washington Wizards' Game 4 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. A fan ran onto the court near the baseline as play took place on the opposite side of the court.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) June 1, 2021
A security officer tackled the intruder just under the basket before officials blew the play dead. Dwight Howard walked over to get a closer look as the two wrestled on the ground.
Fan on the floor in Washington - It's like a contest to see what fan can do the dumbest thing now pic.twitter.com/cKR8FfYrk1
— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) June 1, 2021
The officer then quickly escorted the intruder off the court and into the tunnel as fans in Washington booed loudly.
🤡boy who ran on the court! pic.twitter.com/oWFEoajyBz
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 1, 2021
Play resumed shortly after the interruption. The Wizards later announced that the offending fan will face charges from Washington DC police and a ban from Capitol One Arena.
The fan that was apprehended by Capital One Arena Special Police after attempting to breach the court will be banned from the arena and charges are being pursued with DC MPD, the Washington Wizards say.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 1, 2021
Fans acting up across the NBA
The incident was the latest in a week filled with unruly NBA fan behavior as the league's welcomed back near-capacity crowds for the first round of the playoffs.
During last Wednesday's Game 2 between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks, a fan was seen spitting at Hawks guard Trae Young. On the same night in Philadelphia, a 76ers fan dumped popcorn on Wizards guard Russell Westbrook.
Two days later the Utah Jazz barred three fans for using abusive language toward Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant's family as they watched in the stands. On Sunday, police arrested a Boston Celtics fan after video revealed that he threw a water bottle at Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving.
Earlier Monday, Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley revealed that a fan threw beer at him during the same game Young was spat upon. And he was playing in front of a home crowd.
The NBA has a growing problem with the return of fans en masse and no clear solution.
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