(Audacy) After Suns star point guard Chris Paul's family was harassed by a young Mavericks fan during a game Sunday, the conversation surrounding fan behavior is at the forefront again.
Never one to parse his words, Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley offered up a simple, 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 "Inside the NBA" while discussing fan behavior. “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. 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.”
Barkley was enraged at the Mavericks fan who allegedly harassed and physically put his hands on Chris Paul's mother, Robin, and his wife, Jada, in a game Sunday. 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 Mavericks tied the series at 2-2, 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 wrote.
In the press conference after the incident took place, Paul fielded one question from a reporter before leaving fellow Suns star Devin Booker at the podium.
The Mavericks organization released a statement saying it was aware of the situation.
“It was unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated," the Mavericks said. "The Mavericks, along with American Airlines Center, swiftly removed the fan from (Sunday’s) game.”
Paul’s family -- his wife, mother and two children -- was sitting right behind the Suns' bench, ESPN reported. His mother allegedly had hands put on her, and his wife was pushed, according to reports.
Follow Jasper Jones on Twitter: @jonesj2342.
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