Banned ‘Racial’ NBA Heckler Sues Russell Westbrook, Cites ‘Ferocity’

Shane Keisel was at a Utah Jazz game when he was permanently banned from the stadium for heckling Russell Westbrook earlier this year.

What We Know:

  • Keisel was banned from the Vivint Smart Home Arena for yelling racial remarks at Westbrook. He is now suing the Houston Rockets player and the Jazz. He claims he was wrongly accused. His lawsuit states “the crowd was shocked by the ferocity of Mr Westbrook’s outburst when he had only been told to take care of his knees, albeit in a mocking manner that implied he would need to use them extensively to ensure his team’s victory.”
  • It was filed in the 4th District Court in Utah County for $100 million for punitive damages, alleging defamation and emotional distress. Keisel alleges that he lost his job at Brent Brown Toyota and his place in a pilot training program with SkyWest Airlines because of publicity over the incident. He also claims to be receiving death threats and trauma from the incident.
  • The Jazz made the following statement: “The organization investigated the underlying incident and acted in an appropriate and responsible manner. We intend to vigorously defend the lawsuit.”

Westbrook hasn’t made any comments after this situation. He was fined $25,000 for “directing profanity and threatening language” at fans.