The Dallas Mavericks appeared to waste no time throwing out disgruntled fans during Monday night’s overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings.
As the team’s supporters continue to voice their frustration with Mavs ownership and GM Nico Harrison for trading away franchise player Luka Doncic, two crowd members in particular were escorted out of the American Airlines Center for holding large signs that read “FIRE NICO” — with one mouthing the message on the arena’s jumbotron.
A fan even went as far as saying the atmosphere was like being in dictatorial North Korea and that the team crossed the line in its policing of fan conduct.
“My husband said it was like being at a game in North Korea. Someone near him chanted ‘LUKA DONCIC’ and was ejected,” a user shared. “The fan code of conduct states fans can be ejected for ‘foul, abusive language or obscene gestures.’ The line has been crossed but we know [Adam] Silver won’t step in.”
My husband said it was like being at a game in North Korea. Someone near him chanted “LUKA DONCIC” and was ejected.
The fan code of conduct states fans can be ejected for “foul, abusive language or obscene gestures”. The line has been crossed but we know Silver won’t step in. https://t.co/RY0ftgqXQe
— Brittany Cohen (@Brittcoco13) February 11, 2025
Others reacted to their claims on social media.
“Real question.. why are any Mavs fans still going to the games if they’re so angry at the team?” a person asked. “If you want to show your displeasure, stop giving the owner money.”
“Warren Buffett is often quoted as saying, ‘It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it,’ emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong reputation and how quickly it can be damaged by a single misstep,” another said.
“Dallas sucks,” a fan commented.
“I wouldn’t shock me if there was lawsuit at some point from the fans based on this language,” another user replied.
“Mark Cuban wasn’t ejected for his foul and abusive language tho,” a fan pointed out.
“they really are banishing people to the gulag for saying luka,” another person cried.
It’s definitely a tenuous situation right now in the Lone Star State.
And Anthony Davis expecting to be out for several weeks after suffering a non-contact injury in his Mavs debut certainly doesn’t seem to be helping matters.
Related: Mark Cuban Got Into Screaming Match At Mavericks Game On Monday