Timberwolves initiate investigation following allegations of racially offensive fan harassment
It's been a heated playoff week for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors, with one fan getting booty for violating the NBA's Fan Code of Conduct during their recent game on Thursday. The incident isn't just confined to on-court drama, as another spectator was accused of making racially charged comments, particularly towards Warriors player Draymond Green[1][2][5].
The Timberwolves and Target Center have vowed to maintain an inclusive, respectful, and safe atmosphere for all fans, and they won't tolerate any racist or hateful behavior at their games[1][2]. As of now, they're keeping the investigation alive and may take further action against the offending spectator.
The revelation surfaced during a tense fourth quarter of the Timberwolves' game two win over the Warriors, where Green faced catcalls from the crowd following an incident in the second quarter when he swung an arm at Minnesota's Naz Reid. The officiating crew subsequently slapped Green with a technical foul, prompting a furious response[3]. Green needed composure from his teammates, including an injured Stephen Curry, to calm down following the altercation.
Throughout it all, Green expressed frustration about being unfairly targeted, insinuating that there's a deliberate attempt to portray him as an angry Black man[4]. "I'm sick of the agenda to make me look like the angry Black man," Green told reporters after the game. "I'm not an angry Black man. I'm a very successful, educated Black man with a great family."
"And I'm great at basketball, I'm great at what I do. The agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I'm sick of it. It's ridiculous," he added[4].
Live updates on the investigation are yet to be disclosed, with the Timberwolves and the league finally acting against fans engaging in destructive behavior.
During the heated playoff week, discussions increasingly focus on the NBA's Fan Code of Conduct, as a spectator is accused of making racially charged comments, particularly towards Draymond Green, amidst the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors games. The environment at the Timberwolves' games, aiming to remain inclusive, respectful, and safe, does not tolerate racial or hateful behavior.
