The woman thrown out of a Thursday night NBA game must not have received the memo that “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”
An unidentified man and woman were ejected from their courtside seats at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which cost more than $500 each. They reportedly talked smack during a game between the hometown Indiana Pacers and the visiting Los Angeles Lakers. Whatever they said to LeBron James during the overtime period of the contest obviously pushed a button.
James, also known as “King James,” is often the subject of fan abuse during professional basketball appearances. The couple apparently crossed a line with the superstar because he is shown directing a referee to toss them from the arena in a video posted to Twitter.
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Another Twitter user, identifying as Jonathan Davenport, said he was there and the two people ejected were not the only hecklers but they were the loudest. He added that the two yelled they hoped Lebron’s son, known as “Bronny,” died in a car wreck. Another commenter later confirmed the death wishes included James’ son. The two were reportedly asked by staff to tone down their comments more than once before they were ejected.
The woman appeared to cry but it may have been crocodile tears because the man can be seen laughing behind her as they leave. James silenced the two hecklers by having them removed from their prime courtside real estate.
He silenced the rest of the Indiana Pacers fans by propelling his team to a 124-116 overtime win.
After the game, LeBron James told USA Today reporter Matt Eppers, “When obscene gestures and language come into it, (it) can’t be tolerated. There’s a difference from cheering for your team and not wanting the other team to win and things I would never say to a fan, and they shouldn’t say to me.”
The game was a return to play for James. He had to sit out the previous match against the New York Knicks because he was suspended for the first time in his NBA career.
James’ behavior was widely criticized on social media, with many calling James “LeSnitch” or “LeKaren.” Here are some of the responses:
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