Suns statement after Game 1 vs. Clippers: No tolerance for fans fighting
Jun 21, 2021, 12:55 PM | Updated: 1:36 pm
The Phoenix Suns said Monday that they will not tolerate fighting between fans as the team continues its Western Conference Finals series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The team released a statement after video of Clippers and Suns fans clashing at Phoenix Suns Arena was posted across social media platforms following the home team’s 120-114 victory.
“The Phoenix Suns are enjoying a deep run in the NBA postseason, and while the intensity on the court continues to heat up, we still expect Suns fans to keep their cool off the court,” the statement read. “We will not tolerate the violence that erupted following Sunday’s game at Phoenix Suns Arena. We consider Suns fans to be the best in the world.
“Fighting or taunting to incite violence is not reflective of our organization or how fans from across the Valley should be represented. Let’s work together to provide a model fan experience that is fun, enthusiastic and respectful.”
The scuffle including multiple people on Sunday comes after a single Suns fan, Nick McKellar, went viral for getting involved in a fight with two Nuggets fans while watching the Suns play in Denver at Ball Arena during the conference semifinals.
McKellar, who has earned 15 minutes of fame for yelling “Suns in four!” after the altercation, attended the Phoenix’s series opener against Denver on Wednesday after being gifted an invite from Devin Booker.
“Nobody should be fighting in the stands, man,” said Suns guard Cameron Payne on Friday, regarding the video of McKellar. “It’s crazy, but you know, it was a Suns fan so we support him, but we got to be mindful of things like that.
“Everybody needs to just come watch the game and have fun at the games, that’s what it’s about.”