FILE Credit: National Basketball Association
A Boston Celtics fan was arrested Sunday night for allegedly throwing a water bottle at Kyrie Irving – after the Brooklyn Nets cruised to a 141-126 win in Boston to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
According to Boston Police, 21-year-old Cole Buckley of Braintree, Massachusetts – threw a Dasani water bottle at Irving. Buckley is charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon. This is the fourth fan related incident since the NBA playoffs began (May 22nd).
In Philadelphia, a fan poured popcorn on the head of Washington Wizards Russell Westbrook as he left the game with an injury. In New York, a fan spat on Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young at Madison Square Garden. In Utah, security ejected three fans for their behavior towards the family of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
“You can see that people just feel very entitled out here,” Irving said about the incident. “They paid for their tickets — great, I’m grateful that they’re coming in to watch a great performance. But we’re not at the theater. We’re not throwing tomatoes and other random stuff at the people that are performing.”
"It's unfortunate that sports has come to a lot of this kind of crossroads. … Just underlying racism and just treating people like they're in a human zoo."
Kyrie Irving speaks out after a fan threw a water bottle at him in Boston. pic.twitter.com/IXfE8I0EE8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 31, 2021
The bad blood between Irving & Boston dates back to 2019. Kyrie and his once Celtics were expected to compete for a championship until the outspoken superstar had a change of heart leaving to play for the Brooklyn Nets with Kevin Durant – Who also weighed in on the altercation.
"We're not in a circus. … Grow the f— up and enjoy the game."
—KD after a fan in Boston threw a water bottle at Kyrie pic.twitter.com/AY4RJL3viY
— ESPN (@espn) May 31, 2021
Whether or not you condone Kyrie Irving erratic behavior – The bottom line is simple – Fans need to treat the players with more respect. Game 5 will be played in the Barclays Center on Tuesday.
