Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver had an expletive-laced response to a heckling fan in the stands and pointed the man out to security at Little Caesars Arena.
The heated exchange, which was shared on social media, occurred during Detroit’s 142-124 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.
“You threatened me,” the unidentified man was heard saying to Weaver on the video.
Weaver declined to comment Sunday to the Associated Press. Weaver wasn’t immediately available for comment when The Detroit News tried contacting him Sunday.
A source briefed on the incident indicated to The News that eyewitnesses near the location of the incident saw the fan approach Weaver on two occasions. Arena security was notified and the fan was removed from the arena.
According to the Associated Press, Jeffrey Calloway, a 46-year-old season-ticket holder from Detroit, said he was sitting near Weaver when the fan approached the team’s general manager twice before being escorted away.
“The guy that was in the incident, with the Red Wings stuff on, came over and was pointing at the scoreboard earlier in the game,” Calloway said in a telephone interview Sunday. “Troy Weaver just shrugged his shoulders and said, ‘OK,’ and the guy went back to his seat.
“When (Jalen) Duren got ejected (midway through the fourth quarter), the guy came back and told him that he was terrible at his job. Then, Troy Weaver was telling the fan he had to leave and that’s when ushers or security walked over.”
The NBA Fan Code of Conduct states that fans who engage in inappropriate behavior will be subject to penalty, including but not limited to, ejection without refund, revocation of their season tickets, and/or prevention from attending future games.
Detroit set a single-season league record with 28 straight losses earlier this season and entered Sunday tied with Washington for the league’s worst record.
The Pistons gave Weaver his first opportunity to be a general manager and their record is 70-229 under him in three-plus seasons.
Detroit hosts Charlotte on Monday night.
Detroit New staff writer Mike Curtis contributed.
Gregory Daniels is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, he explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture. Gregory enjoys staying ahead of the curve and sharing emerging trends with his readers.
