Video of Warriors player Butler being harassed by street fans for failing to score 30 points in the game went viral

According to US sports f/w columnist Chaitanya Dadwal, NBA fans shouted at Warriors star Jimmy Butler in the streets because he failed to score 30 points against the Spurs.

The NBA has become more sensitive about the topic of betting as the FBI investigates allegations of player manipulation. Part of the betting issue also includes fans' attitudes towards players during games, especially after players fail to complete a pass or cause others to miss a pass. Earlier this season, we already saw Paulo Banchero having a conversation with a fan on the sidelines. Now, a video of Jimmy Butler is also going viral online after a fan cornered the Warriors star and started yelling nonsense at him.

"Green Apple molded asshole, stupid hunk, Jimmy Butler, they don't even care that you're in their city. Look at him, like a propane asshole. Bro, I bet you $3,000, why don't you have 30 points, Jimmy Butler? Why don't you have 30 points? You're from Vegas!" fans yelled in the video as Butler walked down the street. That appears to be what happened during the Warriors' recent trip to San Antonio to take on the Spurs in back-to-back games. Additionally, betting that over 30% of players have only scored once in the regular season opener this season seems like an oversight.

In the first game, Butler scored 28 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and shot 58.3% from the field. In the second game, Butler scored 21 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field. In the first 13 games of the season so far, Butler has averaged 19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, and his shooting percentage is as high as 51%. Fans acting as if they are the ones paying players' wages is the crux of the matter. They tend to cross a line of what is acceptable, and if players also forget their professional boundaries in their reactions, we risk another episode of Malice in the Palace.

Athletes feeling extra pressure during games and being berated by fans for their performance, just because the fans have money, should not be an experience that everyone goes through. Fans need to understand and respect professional boundaries, even if the purpose of spending money is to be entertained at a game. The Warriors currently face the Pelicans in a game in New Orleans, and their opponent is without their star players (Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole) available for the game. So that makes them the favorite to beat a shorthanded team that's 2-10 on the season.

If the Warriors somehow lose this game, their fans will be outraged. But that doesn’t excuse athletes being harassed on and off the field after a game. This goes against the disciplinary virtues at the heart of sport. The league should respond to this phenomenon to avoid another "Auburn Palace" incident. This is to protect both fans and players. What do you think?