NBA News: Fan Arrested During Boston Celtics Vs. San Antonio Spurs Game Banned for Life

A passionate NBA fan was arrested during the third quarter of a Celtics versus Spurs game. After the incident, the fan was also banned for life by the TD Garden where the game was held. The fan was identified as 22-year-old Justin Arnold. Arnold, frustrated by a referee call threw a can of hard seltzer onto the court. The can almost hit a Spurs player and splashed all over the hardwood.

Police were able to catch Arnold soon after him making the throw. He is now facing a charge for disturbing a public assembly and might see up to a month in jail time. In a statement made by a TD Garden representative, Arnold is now also banned for life saying:

"This act is a serious violation of our guest code of conduct,"

The incident was prompted by the ejection of the Celtics point guard Kemba Walker and their coach Brad Stevens. Walker was knocked down during a play and was upset at a referee for not making a call. Laying it in on the official, he was quickly ejected from the game. Stevens would then argue the decision and was ejected for his troubles.

Passionate basketball fans are nothing new. However, disruptive incidents like this are never okay. For their part, the Boston Celtics issued an apology post-game. Stevens had this to say on the matter:

"I'm sure the Celtics have already addressed this as an organization, but if not, I apologize to the Spurs for what happened out of the stands, and that can being thrown."

He further apologized to San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich for the incident. He also noted his hopes that the fan in question will never be allowed in an NBA arena after this.

Overall, the incident did not affect the game. But, it is important for the NBA and its teams to uphold their rules especially when it comes to fan conduct. Such rules keep both the fans and the players safe, keeping the events a wholesome sporting affair.

Unfortunately for the Celtics they also lost the game going down 129-114 to the Spurs.