The Warriors said they were
The NBA will not permit Golden State Warriors investor Mark Stevens to attend any games after the team executive shoved Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena, the league announced Thursday.
« A team representative must be held to the highest possible standard, and the conduct of Golden State Warriors investor Mark Stevens last night was beyond unacceptable and has no place in our league, » the league said in a statement. « As the review of this matter continues, Mr. Stevens will not be permitted to attend NBA games. »
Stevens, who was seated courtside Wednesday night, was ejected early in the fourth quarter for shoving Lowry after the guard crashed into a row of seats while trying to save a ball from going out of bounds.
Prior to the NBA’s decision, the Warriors issued a statement Thursday condemning Stevens’ actions and said he would not be in attendance for the rest of the NBA Finals. The team later clarified that Stevens would be indefinitely suspended from all team-related activities.
« Mr. Stevens’ behavior last night did not reflect the high standards that we hope to exemplify as an organization, » the Warriors said in the statement. « We’re extremely disappointed in his actions and, along with Mr. Stevens, offer our sincere apology to Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors organization for this unfortunate misconduct. There is no place for such interaction between fans — or anyone — and players at an NBA game. »
Warriors coach Steve Kerr on Thursday said he saw the « commotion » during Game 3 — but hasn’t seen the actual shove — and would personally apologize to Lowry and the Raptors.
« That’s unacceptable, » Kerr said of Stevens’ actions.
Stevens, who is listed as a member of the Warriors’ executive board in the team’s media guide, will not attend any of the remaining NBA Finals games. The Warriors and the NBA said a review of the incident is ongoing, and Stevens could face sanctions from both because he is a team executive.
Toronto leads the best-of-seven series 2-1 after the Raptors’ 123-109 victory on Wednesday.
