Report: Banned Utah Jazz fan sues Russell Westbrook

The fan who engaged in a heated exchange with Russell Westbrook in March is suing the Utah Jazz and Westbrook, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Monday.

The Jazz issued Shane Keisel lifetime ban from Vivint Smart Home Arena days after a shouting match between Keisel and Westbrook erupted during the Thunder’s 98-89 win over the Jazz on March 11.

Keisel and his girlfriend, Jennifer Huff, are seeking a public apology and a combined $100 million on claims of defamation and infliction of emotional distress, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

Westbrook said after the game that Keisel told him, “get down on your knees like you’re used to.” Those comments prompted Westbrook to shout back, “I’ll (expletive) you up. You and your wife. I’ll (expletive) you up.”  Westbrook’s half of the exchange was caught on tape.

After the game, Westbrook characterized Keisel’s comments as, “disrespectful” and “racial.” The incident sparked a discussion on player protection throughout the NBA. This season, the league has instated a stricter fan code of conduct.  

Westbrook now plays for the Rockets, after and offseason trade sent him to Houston in exchange for Chris Paul and a package of draft picks.