NBA Investigates 'Vulgar' Fan Heckling Jalen Brunson, Issues Seating Restrictions

The end of Game 1 of the NBA Finals saw a rather odd moment when Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson approached the referee and talked to him about some unruly fans.

In the aftermath of that confrontation, it was reported that some fans at Frost Bank Center were being "vulgar" and heckling Brunson in the final few minutes of the game. Brunson himself wouldn't speak as to what happened, but the NBA investigated.

On Friday, a league spokesperson told SNY reporter Ian Begley the fan in attendance was not a season ticket holder and will not be permitted to sit courtside for the remainder of the series.

"The fan was not a season ticket holder and if he were to attend another game in this series, he would not be permitted to sit in courtside seats," Begley wrote.

"The NBA investigation was solely focused on one fan sitting courtside for Game 1. Also, it's my understanding that if the fan attended Game 2, the NBA would not allow the fan to sit in close proximity to the court (e.g., 2nd or 3rd row)"

No ban?

NBA fans and Knicks fans in particular were upset to find out that the fan isn't outright banned from the games for using vulgar language in the middle of a game.

"Why are they protecting these fans? What did they say? Why aren't they banned from games PERIOD?" one user asked.

"So he's allowed back? That's disgusting. Be better NBA," wrote another.

"That's it??? How is he not banned bro this is crazy," a third wrote.

Some were upset to learn rumors that the same fan might be the same one who had been heckling and annoying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the Western Conference Finals, which only fueled the anger.

"That's the penalty? Move his seat? And if there ever really was an investigation, was it confirmed if this family was attached to harassment of SGA and these 2 as reported?"

"It's been reported on espn radio that these same fans were doing similar to SGA in. They aren't season ticket holders but keep getting these seats?"

Let's hope this is the last we hear of that fan in these NBA Finals.

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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 3:36 PM.