NBA commissioner Adam Silver has warned that major sporting events provide an “enormous platform to do stupid things,” following a court invasion incident during Game 1 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio.
A spectator ran onto the court during the game while filming himself on a phone and briefly approached Victor Wembanyama. The individual did not make contact with the Spurs star before being quickly removed by security.
The man was later arrested and charged with intentionally interfering with a lawful gathering and criminal trespass after entering a restricted area despite clear warnings. An NBA spokesperson also confirmed that both he and a second individual involved in the incident have been handed lifetime bans from all NBA arenas.
Wembanyama, the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, said the situation caught him off guard.
“I’ve never been in that situation, I didn’t know how to act,” he said. “It really surprised me.”
Commissioner Silver criticised the behaviour, saying he was reluctant to even describe the individual as a fan and suggesting there may have been an ulterior motive.
“It’s unfortunately part of all sports,” Silver said. “The global attention means someone realises there’s an enormous platform to do stupid things. The consequences are dramatic if you do this.”
He also confirmed that additional security measures will be in place at Madison Square Garden if former US President Donald Trump attends future NBA Finals games, after Trump accepted an invitation from New York Knicks owner James Dolan to attend Games 3 and 4.
