Banned Utah Jazz Fan Sues Russell Westbrook And Crew
Shane Keisel, who obtained a lifetime ban from Vivint Sensible Dwelling Area in Utah for steering racially charged language at Russell Westbrook, is suing the Jazz and the Houston Rockets guard.
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Based on the Salt Lake Metropolis Tribune, the lawsuit was filed on Monday and claims that language Keisel and his girlfriend, Jennifer Huff, used towards Westbrook was “the identical variety and caliber as that of the opposite viewers members within the part” — and never racist and derogatory, because the then-Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder star mentioned on the time.
Keisel and Huff are searching for $100 million in damages, citing defamation and emotional misery.
After a win in Utah, then a member of the Thunder, video leaked of Westbrook saying, “I am going to f— you up” to Keisel and Huff whereas standing close to the top of the Thunder bench.
Westbrook mentioned it was in response to Keisel telling him, “Get in your knees such as you’re used to,” a remark Westbrook thought-about “utterly disrespectful” and “racial.”
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On the time Keisel claimed he mentioned “ice these knees up,” an assertion he maintains within the lawsuit.
He added that his household has been harassed and that he has misplaced work for the reason that incident.
The Jazz carried out an investigation, and Keisel was banned for all times and the NBA fined Westbrook $25,000 for steering profanity at a fan.
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“The group investigated the underlying incident and acted in an acceptable and accountable method,” Frank Zang, senior vp of communications for Larry H. Miller Sports activities and Leisure, informed the Tribune. “We intend to vigorously defend the lawsuit.”