Investigation Initiated against Fan for Alleged Racially Derogatory Harassment in Timberwolves Stadium
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The Timberwolves kicked out a fan for violating the NBA's fan code of conduct during the fourth quarter of their 117-93 victory over the Warriors. media reports suggest this fan hurled racially offensive remarks at Draymond Green.
The team continues to probe into the matter, stating that there might be further action taken against the suspect. In a statement, the Timberwolves stated, "We stand firm on fostering an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment at our games and within our community. Racial slurs and hateful speech won't be tolerated under any circumstances."
Suspicions of racial slurs against Green circulated among fans, but the second individual involved fled the Target Center before confirmation of his identity, according to the Timberwolves.
Green was targeted with catcalls during the loss after an altercation in the second quarter where he swung an arm at Minnesota's Naz Reid, earning a technical foul. The heated response from Green required cooling-off from his teammates, including Stephen Curry who was injured at the time.
Green vented his frustration after the game, expressing his disapproval over being stereotyped as an 'angry Black man'. He stated, "I'm not an angry Black man. I'm a successful, educated Black man with a great family, and I'm excellent at what I do. This constant attempt to portray me as an angry Black man is beyond me. It's insane."
Green's assertions are not new, as he has repeatedly grappled with the perception that he's a target of referee bias due to this stereotype. NBA analysts like Charles Barkley have voiced similar frustrations regarding how Green is treated by referees. However, Green's on-court aggression is a subject of ongoing debate, with some suggesting he needs to moderate his behavior to avoid such incidents.
© 2025 AFP
Enrichment Data Integration:
- Green's allegations of being stereotyped as an "angry Black man" have been long-standing, with underlying concerns of racial bias in his dealings with referees. This scuffle in Game 2 against the Timberwolves seemed to be another illustration of these issues.
- The incident in the second quarter involved Green being fouled by Naz Reid, which provoked him to swing his arm and make contact with Reid's face. Regardless of the initial foul, Green was issued a technical foul by the referees, sparking his outburst.
- The controversy around Green's behavior has drawn the attention of fellow NBA legends, such as Charles Barkley, who have echoed Green's sentiments of perceived bias against him by referees. However, there are those who believe Green needs to manage his on-court intensity to avoid such altercations.
- The Timberwolves confirmed on Thursday that they would be investigating unfair conduct by a fan, who allegedly hurled racially offensive remarks at Draymond Green, following the NBA game against the Warriors.
- Despite Green being targeted with catcalls during games, the Timberwolves' incident is not the first time Green has raised concerns about being unfairly stereotyped as an "angry Black man" in sports.
- In the midst of the ongoing discourse about Green's conduct on the court, the Timberwolves' commitment to fostering an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and safe for all attendees remains apparent.
