When news broke that Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul’s family was being harassed by Dallas Mavericks fans, the reaction was swift. The Mavericks organization immediately removed the fans, one of which appeared to be a teenager, from the arena. They both have been banned for the remainder of the playoffs and 2022.
Now, Paul’s mother is telling the story of what really happened that night.
Chris Paul was not happy. 😳
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 9, 2022
TNT NBA host Kenny Smith talked to Paul’s mother Robin about the incident.
"Mama Paul was a little upset." @TheJetOnTNT sheds light on Chris Paul's family incident with fans at Sunday's Game 4 #Suns lost to #Mavs. Series now 2-2.
Paul's mom called Kenny Smith to explain what happened as two fans have been banned from AAC until 2023. #NBAPlayoffs2022 pic.twitter.com/C1hN82duv0
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) May 10, 2022
“She was very adamant about what happened. She was like, ‘No Kenny, the guy was inebriated and he was trying to be funny by continually tapping me and saying Happy Mother’s Day,’” Smith explained. “She said, ‘Well, thank you, but don’t touch me.’ He continued to do that and then in between would scream out obscenities about the Suns and continued to tap her. That’s when it escalated to that magnitude.”
A source familiar with Chris Paul's tweet after Game 4 told ESPN that Paul's mother had hands put on her by Dallas fans and Paul's wife was also pushed. To make matters worse, Paul's kids witnessed it. "They felt very unsafe," the source said.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 8, 2022
The Mavericks explained it as “unwanted hugging,” which from the sounds of it, the Paul family was not feeling the love. This is not the first time fans have been banned or kicked out of an NBA game, merely the latest. A few fans in Utah got out a hand and they were banned from attending Jazz games. LeBron James had an incident with some fans in Atlanta who were harassing him and they also were put out of the area.
Instead of incidents becoming less frequent they are increasing and becoming scarier.
Chris Paul is a man/son first. Touching his mom at a game is NOT acceptable.
That man was referred to a “kid” real quick when it was time for him/his family own up to his excusable behavior.
— Karen ‘KC’ Civil (@KarenCivil) May 9, 2022
