Banned heckler sues Rockets star Westbrook

A Utah Jazz fan who was banned for life from Vivint Smart Home Arena after allegedly yelling what Russell Westbrook claimed were “racial” and “inappropriate” remarks at him has sued the Houston Rockets player and the Jazz, saying he was wrongly accused.

The lawsuit, filed Monday on behalf of Shane Keisel and his girlfriend Jennifer Huff, seeks US$100 million in compensatory and punitive damages, alleging defamation and infliction of emotional distress.

There has been no comment from Westbrook, who was playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder at the time of the March 11 incident, or his representatives.

The Jazz said in a statement the lawsuit is legally and factually baseless.

The lawsuit (via the Deseret News) stated that “Mr. Keisel’s heckling was of the same kind and caliber as that of the other audience members in the section.”

After the game, Westbrook told reporters he reacted to “completely disrespectful” comments that he believed were “racial” in nature.

“How it started was a young man and his wife in the stands told me to get down on my knees like I’m used to,” Westbrook said. “For me, that’s completely disrespectful. To me, I think it’s racial and inappropriate.”

The NBA fined Westbrook $25,000 for “directing profanity and threatening language” at fans.

Keisel’s lawsuit stated Westbrook “had only been told to take care of his knees, albeit in a mocking manner.”

In an interview with KSL Sports, Keisel said he told Westbrook to “sit down and ice his knees” because both were wrapped.

According to court documents, Keisel alleged he lost his job at a Toyota dealership and his place in a pilot training program with Skywest Airlines because of the incident. It also said he has received death threats and personal attacks and that Huff has suffered as well.