On Sunday, Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul dealt with more than foul trouble during his team’s 111-101 loss to the Mavericks in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals.
After the game, ESPN reported that a Dallas fan was escorted out of the American Airlines Center for allegedly putting “hands on” Chris Paul’s mother. Paul’s wife was also reportedly pushed in front of their children.
“They felt very unsafe,” according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Paul’s mother, Robin, his wife, Jada, and their two children watched the game from seats close behind the Suns’ bench.
ESPN also reported that Paul’s wife was followed up an aisle by the fan when she left her seat.
The Dallas Mavericks organization released a statement condemning the behavior of the fan.
“The Dallas Mavericks are aware of an incident between a fan and the family of Chris Paul. It was unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. The Mavericks, along with American Airlines Center, swiftly removed the fan from today’s game,” the franchise said.
Chris Paul had fouled out of the game with 8:58 remaining after scoring five points. He could be seen conversing with stadium security in a video, expressing concern for his family. He appeared to tell security, “He put his hands on my mom.”
Another video showed what appeared to be a young fan being escorted out by security, with Paul yelling, “I’ll see you later!” in his direction.
Paul did not comment on the incident during the postgame press conference, in which he answered just one question before abruptly leaving.
After the game, Chris Paul directly addressed the incident on Twitter.
“Wanna fine players for saying stuff to the fans but the fans can put they hands on our families … f— that!!” he wrote.
On Monday, the Mavericks released another statement saying the investigation into the incident was concluded.
“Two unruly fans attempted to give unwanted hugs and have conversations with members of the Paul family on the public concourse of American Airlines Center,” the statement said. “AAC security responded immediately once notified by the family, and the fans were swiftly ejected from the game. The fans involved in the incident will not be allowed to return to the arena until 2023.”
Game Five in the series is set for Tuesday at 9 p.m. CT in Phoenix. The series is tied 2-2.
