The Dallas Mavericks have banned two fans from American Airlines Center until 2023 over an incident involving Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul’s family.
In a statement released Monday, Dallas concluded that “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.”
American Airlines Center security members were made aware immediately of the incident and ejected the fans involved from the game, the statement added.
Following the conclusion of Game 4’s loss to the Mavericks on Sunday, Paul’s mother had hands put on her by Dallas fans and his wife was also pushed, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
McMenamin added that Paul’s kids witnessed the incident and “felt very unsafe.”
“Wanna fine players for saying stuff to the fans but the fans can put they hands on our families. … (expletive) that!!” Paul tweeted after the game.
It was a night to forget for Paul, who fouled out with 8:58 remaining in the fourth quarter in the 111-101 loss.
He finished with just five points on 2-of-4 shooting (50%) to go along with seven assists, five rebounds and one steal in only 23 minutes played.
The Suns and Mavericks are back in action Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.