After the incident involving Chris Paul's family being harassed by a young Mavericks fan, many were incensed that a spectator resorted to those lengths but sadly this is not something uncommon in today's sports world.
Incidents of fans fighting and harassing players have seemingly spiked once spectators were allowed to attend sporting events again in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Never one to parse his words, Charles Barkley offered up a simple, yet brash solution to put an end to unruly and out-of-order fans.
“We can just put an end to all of this stuff,” Barkley said on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” while discussing the situation. “Some of the stuff these fans say. Let’s take it right down to center court for five minutes. I’ve always said that.”
“Just give me five minutes at center court with him,” Barkley said. “You ain’t gonna press no charges. Ain’t nobody gonna be sued civilly. Say what you just said to me right to my face for these five minutes. I’ma beat your ass. I’ma beat the hell out of you. I’m gonna take my time. I’m not gonna beat him up quickly. I’m gonna jab him a little bit, then I’ma lay the haymakers on they ass.”
The future Hall of Famer became enraged at the Mavs fan who allegedly harassed and physically put his hands on his mother, Robin, and his wife, Jada during the Suns 111-101 loss to Dallas. In the video footage, Paul could be seen approaching the young boy who had his mother by his side, telling the fan in question, “I’ll see you later.”
After the Mavs tied up the series two apiece, Paul took to Twitter to say he doesn't care if he gets fined for defending his family.
“Wanna fine players for saying stuff to the fans but the fans can put they hands on our families … f–k that!!" Paul said.
In the press conference after the incident took place, Paul fielded one question from a reporter before leaving Devin Booker at the podium.
The Mavericks organization released a statement notifying that it is aware of the situation and stated, “It was unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. The Mavericks, along with American Airlines Center, swiftly removed the fan from (Sunday’s) game.”
According to ESPN, Paul’s family was sitting right behind the Suns' bench which included his wife, mom and his two children. The report alleges that his mother had hands put on her and his wife Jada was pushed.
The incident put a bow on what was a rough night for Paul who fouled out with nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter. He scored five points and dished out seven assists in 23 minutes.
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