Kyrie Irving, the superstar point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, had a fan ejected from the game during Sunday’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets. The incident occurred after the fan reportedly called Irving “out of his name.”
Irving set the record straight on the incident during a post-game interview, stating: “He just called me out of my name so I just had to make sure I looked him eye-to-eye to see if he would say it to my face.” Irving continued, “A lot of fans say things when you’re turning your head or they say it in the crowd ’cause they can get away with it, but majority of the time if I could look a fan in the face and see if they really want to say that to me. He yelled it and I handled it.”
Irving’s actions highlight the ongoing issue of fan behavior in professional sports. While fans have the right to express themselves, they must also respect the players and the game. Calling a player out of their name crosses the line and can result in ejection from the game.
"He just called me on my name, so I just had to make sure I looked him eye-to-eye, see if he would say it to my face. A lot of fans say things when you're turning your head… So he yelled it, I handled it."
Kyrie Irving on the fan he had ejected.
(via @JerryDonatien) pic.twitter.com/FwSagUSGlB
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 26, 2023
The NBA has taken steps to address the issue of fan behavior, including implementing a code of conduct for fans attending games. The code of conduct includes prohibitions against racist, sexist, or homophobic language, physical violence, and disruptive behavior.
Despite the incident, Irving has been performing well since joining the Mavericks. In 15 games with the team, he is averaging 27.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. However, the team has struggled to find success with a record of 7-13 since his arrival.
Irving is set to become a free agent this summer and is expected to receive offers in excess of $200 million. He will likely be one of the most sought-after players on the market.
In the end, the incident serves as a reminder that fans have a responsibility to act with respect and decorum when attending professional sports events. The NBA has made it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated, and players like Kyrie Irving are not afraid to speak up and take action when necessary.
Kyrie Irving: A Point Guard Prodigy with an Impressive Trophy Cabinet
Kyrie Irving has established himself as one of the most talented point guards in NBA history. He is a six-time NBA All-Star and has been named to four All-NBA teams. Irving was also named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2012 and helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win their first NBA championship in 2016.
Irving has also represented the United States in international competition, winning a gold medal at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and a bronze medal at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Off the court, Irving has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including his work with the Kyrie Irving Foundation, which focuses on providing education and resources to underprivileged youth. In 2018, he was named one of the recipients of the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his contributions to the community.
With his impressive skillset and numerous accolades, Kyrie Irving has solidified his place as one of the best players in the NBA today.
