BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 30: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during Game Four of the Eastern Conference first round series against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 30, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
As Kyrie Irving exited TD Garden on Sunday, a water bottle was seemingly thrown at this head. This occurred after the Brooklyn Nets‘ 141-126 victory against the Boston Celtics in Boston on Sunday.
The fan responsible for this was arrested soon after this incident took place. The bottle missed Irving’s head, but the fan was arrested for “throwing an object” according to a TD Garden Statement.
“A guest was arrested by Boston Police at the end of tonight’s Boston Celtics game for throwing an object. We will support and provide assistance to Boston Police as this incidence is under review. We have zero tolerance for violations of our guest code of conduct, and the guest is subject to a lifetime ban from TD Garden,” stated Tricia McCorkle, a spokesperson for TD Garden.
The suspect was identified to be 21-year-old Cole Buckley of Braintree, Massachusetts. He faces a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. This is a felony in Massachusetts and could lead to 10-years in prison. He will be arraigned on Tuesday in a Boston Court.
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“You’re seeing a lot of old ways come up,” Irving said of the incident. “It has been that way in history in terms of entertainment, performers, and sports for a long period of time and just underlying racism and just treating people like they’re in a human zoo. Throwing stuff at people, saying things. There is a certain point where it gets to be too much,” added Irving, who recorded 39 points in the win.
“Fans got to Grow up at some point… Grow the F— up and enjoy the game. It’s bigger than you,” said teammate Kevin Durant to media representatives.
Similar fan incidents have been occurring as of late. For example, a Philadelphia 76ers fan showered Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards with popcorn and a New York Knicks fan went as far as to spit on Trae Young.
Irving is no stranger to this sort of abuse, citing incidences of racism by fans that he has experienced in the past. The Nets will look forward to closing out the series against the Celtics, which they lead 3-1.
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