The Utah Jazz fan that was involved in a heated verbal altercation with Russell Westbrook last season has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the NBA superstar.
TheSalt Lake Tribune reported on Monday that Shane Keisel is seeking $100 million from Westbrook on behalf of himself and his girlfriend, Jennifer Huff. Keisel's attorneys argue that their client was engaging in typical fan-like behavior that didn't warrant Westbrook's outburst. Specifically, Keisel is seeking $68 million in damages and a public apology Westbrook, while Huff wants $32 million from the superstar for emotional distress.
"Mr. Keisel’s heckling was of the same kind and caliber as that of the other audience members in the section," the lawsuit reads.
In March, a video went viral showing Westbrook verbally attacking Keisel and Huff. Westbrook can be seen shouting expletives at the couple, even telling Keisel that he will "fuck" him up. 'You and your wife. I'll fuck you up," Westbrook said.
When asked what sparked his outrage, Westbrook told reporters that Keisel told him to "Get down on your knees like you’re used to."
This prompted the Utah Jazz and Vivint Smart Home Arena to ban Keisel from events for life.
Keisel believes that this punishment and Westbrook's reaction were too extreme. Keisel claims that Westbrook misheard his jeer. He says that he told the point guard—who has had trouble with his knees in the past—that "he should just sit down and ice his knees." Keisel and his lawyers also state that those in the crowd heard his joke and were surprised by Westbrook's reaction.
"The crowd was shocked by the ferocity of Mr. Westbrook’s outburst when he had only been told to take care of his knees," the lawsuit says. "Albeit in a mocking manner that implied he would need to use them extensively to ensure his team’s victory."
Despite this, Westbrook went with his version of events and described Keisel's comments as racist. Westbrook's fans campaigned for him to be fired from his job—which eventually happened—and his life was impacted dramatically by this event.
As for Westbrook, he doesn't seem to be worried about the lawsuit. According to TMZ, Westbrook reportedly feels like the case is "meritless."
