The NBA offers unrivaled access with courtside seats that allow fans to get a good look at the game or even be part of the show.
However, the close proximity to players lends itself to some tense situations between players and fans.
How does the league maintain decorum? Minnesota Vikings starting safety and team captain Josh Metellus found out firsthand.
During Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder, Metellus was in attendance and apparently issued a warning for his behavior.
In a post captured from Metellus' Instagram story, the ultra-competitive and lively Vikings star was given a card with the NBA logo on it, threatening his ejection from the game if his behavior continues.
Metellus' response: "energy is a hell of a drug😂😂."
Metellus noted on social media that his reaction to a shoving match between Anthony Edwards and Lu Dort seemed to have prompted his warning.
The warning reads as follows:
"You are being issued a warning card that the comments, gestures and/or behaviors that you have directed at players, coaches, game officials and/or other [spectators] constitute excessive verbal abuse and are in violation of the NBA Fan Code of Conduct. This is the first and only warning that you will receive. If, after receiving this warning, you verbally abuse [any] player, coach, game official or [spectator], you will be immediately ejected from the arena without refund."
While what Metellus exactly did to warrant the warning is unknown, the NBA's protocol, carried out by the Timberwolves, seems relatively clear.
Two strikes and you're out.
