Mavericks fans ejected over Fire Nico signs, shouting at Mark Cuban as Luka Doncic outrage boils over
The Dallas Mavericks empathize with their upset fan base — until they criticize leadership inside the arena.Just one day after owner Patrick Dumont said he understands why fans feel hurt about the Mavericks’ earth-shattering trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, fans who expressed their displeasure during Monday’s home game against the Kings were ejected.One fan was kicked out by security for mouthing the words “Fire Nico” while on the Jumbotron to sing Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and later showing off a sign with the same message during Dallas’ 129-128 loss to the Kings in overtime.The bizarre moment on the big screen occurred in the third quarter, while the signs came out in the fourth quarter.He and a co-conspirator called for general manager Nico Harrison’s job by showing off large “Fire Nico” signs while standing in the lower bowl of the arena.The Mavericks released a statement on the ejections, citing that fans broke the NBA Code of Conduct.“In the first incident, the guest brought in a sign that broke the following rule included in the NBA Code of Conduct: Clothing, garments or signs displaying explicit language, profanity or derogatory characterization towards any person(s),” Mavericks vice president of corporate communications Erin Finegold said in a statement released to reporters, per ESPN.Security was serenaded with boos from fans as protestors of the front office were escorted out of the arena during the fourth quarter while the Mavericks led, 103-94.More fans were ejected from the arena after they got into a shouting match with minority owner Mark Cuban, who was frustrated with hearing “Fire Nico” while the home team was shooting free throws late in the game.“Shut the f—k up and sit the f—k down!” Cuban yelled, according to footage a fan showed to ESPN.That group of fans was shown the door for wearing a t-shirt of an unidentifiable woman’s face with a clown nose on it,...