Things were understandably heated last night between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Texas Tech Raiders. In what was supposed to be a simple NCAA game between the two programs, now has a controversial moment from it. Oklahoma State’s sophomore guard and projected lottery pick Marcus Smart came into conflict with a fan named Jeff Orr during tonights collegiate matchup.
In a game where Oklahoma State was trailing before ultimately losing 65-61 to Texas Tech, it was understandable why Smart would be frustrated to say the least. Unfortunately in an act of bad judgement, Smart engaged a fan that had been heckling him, resulting in Smart shoving the fan back away from him. Smart was given a technical foul for his actions, but was able to remain in the game.
Player safety is always a concern, but so is it a concern for fans as well. Officials from the NCAA and Oklahoma State University will undoubtedly review the situation to determine if any further action is necessary. Marcus Smart probably won’t be looking at any possible suspensions, but it will be interesting to see what action if any would be taking place.
Both Marcus Smart & the fan should be reprimanded. Marcus Smart has to live above the bs regardless BUT Jeff Orr should pay consequences as
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) February 9, 2014
well. I get it that fans love to root for their teams but people should own their actions when taking things too far.
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) February 9, 2014
The incident is getting mixed reactions from many who believe that while Smart should of showed restraint, the fan was still in the wrong. In situations such as this there are no true winners or losers.
Marcus Smart was absolutely wrong for retaliating and shoving a fan. No question. But how old is this Texas Tech guy to be heckling a 19y/o?
— Kristine Leahy (@KristineLeahy) February 9, 2014
This in no way excuses Marcus Smart, but basketball is the only sport where there is no physical barrier between player and fan.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) February 9, 2014
Hate to be too critical of a 19-year old kid–esp when we don’t know what fan said–but you can’t react like that. Suspension is warranted
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) February 9, 2014
Regardless of how Smart could of handled the situation, he is still only 19 years old and has a bit of growing to do in terms of maturity. The incident should be treated as an isolated one, though it will be interesting to see how Smart is viewed in terms of his potential draft position.
PR advice for Marcus Smart. Briefly apologize. Say something inappropriate was said. Do not provide too much additional commentary
— Lang Greene (@LangGreene) February 9, 2014
With the draft still several months away, the conflict shouldn’t have any lasting effect on Smart’s reputation. Many consider him to be a Top 10 pick in this years upcoming draft, and he has plenty of more basketball to play for scouts and general managers to get a better idea of what he can bring to a team on the court.
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I’ve been to Texas Tech for collegiant basketball games. The fans are rude, racist and cocky. Leave Marcus Smart alone. A slap on the wrist is good enough since you can’t reprimand the classless fan.
Oops! late 60s, not late 80s. My bad.
Hey I played varsity basketball and football (high school and college) in the late 80s and early 70s and me and my teammates were pushed, punched, heckled, spat on, etc. by fans. In fact, a fan was killed in the stands at one of my high school’s football games. Marcus Smart reacted emotinally at the end of a hard-fought road game between teams from Oklahoma and Texas, whose fans hate each other. He received a deserved technical. Other than that, so what? I am a long-suffering Timberwolves fan and would love to have a player with the heart, soul, and cojones of Marcus Smart. Viva Smart!