Kyrie Irving’s return to Boston is going to be a constant them throughout the Celtics series with the Brooklyn Nets.
Yesterday’s game one was one for the ages and Jayson Tatum’s layup at the buzzer gave the Celtics a 115-114 victory.
Unfortunately, the side story was Boston fans’ interaction with Irving.
Yes, everyone expected the booing and chanting but, once again, there were fans who went overboard.
“Look, where I’m from, I’m used to all these antics and people being close nearby,” said Irving (ESPN.com). “When people start yelling ‘p—y’ or ‘b—-‘ and ‘f— you’ and all this stuff, there’s only but so much you take as a competitor. We’re the ones expected to be docile and be humble, take a humble approach, f— that, it’s the playoffs. This is what it is.”
The second part of it is the issue. Not every fan who attends game wants to be subjected to that type of language and behavior. How did we get here?
The lazy argument is ticket prices but if the price of the ticket turns you into a mindless savage maybe you shouldn’t go.
Too many minority athletes, especially in the NBA, have been told that it’s ok that fans treat them any kind of way when it isn’t. And the idea that these athletes should accept this type of behavior stokes up an ugliness that conjures up the subject of race.
It’s not that hard to cheer on your team and boo the other teams. Part of the enjoyment for some fans is getting on the opposing superstar and that’s fine. But some of the things that are said isn’t acceptable behavior no matter where you are.
The story this morning took away from how great that game was and you can’t blame the players or the media… this one is on the fans.
