San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills (8) is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyle Korver (26) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
San Antonio Spurs' Patty Mills (8) is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyle Korver (26) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
On A night when Patty Mills climbed into fourth all-time on the San Antonio Spurs three-pointers made list, he was subjected to crude remarks from a fan.
As the game was coming to a close, Mills lined up at the free throw line and while the commentators went quiet, themicrophones picked up the slurs.
The man inside Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena shouted towards Mills.
"Hey, Jamaican dog. They want their bobsledder back," the fan shouted during the first shot attempt.
Mills then lined up for his second free throw and the fan decided once wasn't enough as he threw out another slur.
The response from people on social media to the sickening remarks were quick to slam the unruly fan, with many hoping the NBA can locate and discipline the offender.
Mills, who is part Aboriginal and part Torres Strait Islander, responded with class saying he hoped the incident could "enlighten this unruly, hateful fan".
Thanks @thats_Z_Truth. I am a proud Islander. Like my Jamaican Brothers, me & my family in the islands of the Torres Strait have experienced racial slurs for decades. Hope your efforts will enlighten this confused, hateful fan. #BlackHistoryMonthhttps://t.co/yH3nKlGv4A
— Patrick Mills AM | Philanthropist | Entrepreneur (@Patty_Mills) February 26, 2018
Fans taunting and getting stuck into visiting teams is nothing new in the NBA, or any sport for that matter, however all know what constitutes crossing the line.
With the matter quickly gaining traction via social media, many flooded Mills with messages of support while many were hopeful the league would investigate and uncover the perpetrator.
I hope the @NBA come down hard on that blatant racist abuse @Patty_Mills copped today. Disgraceful embarrassing stuff.
Sadly this fan has cast a bleak light over what was an impressive outing from the Spurs and Mills who trounced the Cavaliers.
LaMarcus Aldridge top scored for the Spurs with 27 points, but it was Mills' second three-pointer that was the highlight of his game.
The win snapped a four-game losing streak and keeps the Spurs in third place in the Western Conference with a 36-25 record with only 21 games remaining on their schedule.
