Several Dallas Mavericks fans at American Airlines Center were ejected from Monday night’s game for violating the NBA’s code of conduct. Mavericks fans have been in an uproar ever since the team announced that it would trade fan-favorite Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, and it all came to a head during the Mavericks’ narrow loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Two ejected fans held posters that read, “Fire Nico” referring to the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, Nico Harrison.
According to the NBA Code of Conduct, “profanity or derogatory characterization towards any person(s),” is not allowed.
In addition to derogatory signs, fans openly booed Patrick Dumont, the majority share owner of the Mavericks whenever he was spotted in his courtside seat. Harrison, did not go to his seat during Monday night’s game.
Earlier in the weekend, thousands of Mavericks fans were protesting outside the arena. Due to the increased attendance and tension, arena security cracked down on fan signage and limited what could be brought inside American Airlines Center beyond the standard NBA rules.
Another set of fans were ejected after they got into a screaming match with former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. According to ESPN, Cuban yelled back at the fans, “Shut the f--- up and sit the f--- down!" Cuban reported that the fans were yelling during a Maverick’s free-throw attempt, but he did not know what they were saying exactly.
ESPN reported that other fans were ejected for inappropriate t-shirts, being disruptive and uncooperative, and intoxication.
The Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving told ESPN, "You just got to give everybody grace," Irving said. "To see the emotions come out like that over basketball, that just shows you that basketball is not just a game to certain people. It's a spiritual experience. It's a connector piece, and they watch their favorite players and they want to see them forever. So, I run the side of just understanding where people are coming from."
