Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah has gotten into some trouble for cursing at a fan and using a homophobic slur in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Noah got into early foul trouble against the Miami Heat in Game 3, picking up two fouls in the first quarter. As he sat on the Bulls Bench, he lashed out at a heckling fan. You didn't have to be an expert at reading lips to figure out what Noah said to the fan as the camera was right on him when he lashed out. The NBA responded quickly, fining Noah $50,000 for his actions.
Noah's choice of words could have definitely been better, but I refuse to condemn him for losing his composure. Noah seemed sincere as he discussed the situation. Noah told ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz:
"You know, all my best friends live downtown in New York City. I was made in Soho. Sometimes, when you're at this level you don't realize the consequences or how much a word can bother people. My mom's best friend was gay. We used to call him "Mom." So I'm disappointed because that's not me. I didn't mean any harm to anybody. I don't want anyone to feel disrespected by what I said, and I understand that's what's going to happen."
Anytime a professional athlete lashes out at a fan, many are often quick to condemn the behavior. Many often forget that it's the poor behavior of the fans that often leads to confrontations in the first place. Yes, people have a right to support their favorite teams and try their best to distract their opponents, but there is line neither athlete nor fan should be allowed to cross. If you ever been to a live sporting event, it's guaranteed you will have at least one obnoxious idiot seating next to you.
The NBA's current stance of letting fans get way with bad behavior and holding players to a higher standard will only make the league's image worse. Commissioner David Stern needs to step up to the plate and decide how he wants the NBA to be perceived.
If Stern wants the NBA to be a family friendly atmosphere then fans should be held to the same standard as the players. Some say the fans pay for their seats and are entitled to act however they please, but that's complete nonsense. I like going to nice restaurants and I always pay for my meals, does that give me the right to scream obscenities at the waitress?
David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years.
Sources:
Kevin Arnovitz,"Joakim Noah: 'That's not who I am'" ESPN
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