NBA

Tristan Thompson: “I dare a m-fer to spit on me. I’ll follow you to your house”

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 21: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Boston Celtics shoots against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on February 21, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Tristan Thompson says Boston fans made racist comments towards him in the past when he was an opponent. However, he hasn’t heard anything directed towards him since joining the team. Current and former Celtic players have given their take on what they have heard from Celtic fans in Boston.

Thompson told Rachel Nichols that there is a fine line when it becomes too much. He says he appreciates the fans for their support but doesn’t appreciate when fans cross the line and start using racial slurs.

Thompson also voiced his opinion on the situation regarding Trae Young and a New York Knicks fan, and other fans around the league. A video surfaced after game two of a fan spitting on Young. The fan has been banned from attending Knicks games at Madison Square Garden.

“I dare a m-fer to spit on me. I’ll follow you to your house,” Thompson said about the situation.

Teams went on to ban five fans for incidents that took place on Wednesday night.

Net’s point guard Kyrie Irving sparked the discussion on Boston fans after saying he hopes to “just keep it strictly basketball.” He went onto add that other opposing players could attest to it as well.

Irving said he hopes there is no “belligerence” or “subtle racism,” in game three of the playoffs. Irving played in Boston for two seasons before signing with Brooklyn. This will be his first game back in Boston with fans in attendance.

Irving and Thompson were teammates in Cleveland and each have their own history with Boston fans.

Current Celtic Marcus Smart gave his input on Irving’s comments. Smart hopes the fans are respectful of Irving in his return to Boston. In addition, Smart added how it feels hearing racial slurs coming from the home fans.

“Even though it’s an opposing team, we’ve had guys on your home team that you’re saying these racial slurs and you expect us to go out here and play for you. It’s tough.”

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