News

Knicks Ban Fan For Spitting On Hawks’ Star Trae Young

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 20: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks sets up a shot during the second half of an NBA game against the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena on February 20, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Getty)

An unruly Knicks fan was banned from Madison Square Garden indefinitely for spitting on Trae Young.

The New York Knicks were hosting the Atlanta Hawks for Game 2 of their first-round playoffs series when the incident occurred. During the fourth quarter, a fan spat on Young.

The team investigated the incident and announced on Thursday that the fan was banned indefinitely from the garden.

“We investigated the matter and determined that this patron, who is not a season ticket holder, did indeed spit on Trae Young, and for that reason, he is now banned from the Garden indefinitely,” the statement read. “We apologize to Trae and the entire Atlanta Hawks organization for this fan’s behavior. This was completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our venue. We have turned the information over to the appropriate authorities.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

The Knicks’ statement came as the league released its own statement regarding fan behavior. On Thursday morning, the NBA released a statement about enforcing an enhanced fan code of conduct.

“The return of more NBA fans to our arenas has brought great excitement and energy to the start of the playoffs, but it is critical that we all show respect for players, officials, and our fellow fans,” the league stated. “An enhanced fan code of conduct will be vigorously enforced in order to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved.”

Young scored 30 points in the Hawks’ Game 2 loss at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are seeking their first playoff series win since 2013.