Basketball player suspended for shoving FAN he 'heard calling him the N-word'

  • Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart shoved a fan during Saturday's game with Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas
  • Incident occurred with only 6-seconds of the game left and has led to Smart, 20, being banned for three games by the Big 12
  • Smart told officials he heard Texas 'superfan' Jeff Orr use the n-word
  • Air traffic controller Orr, who follows Texas Tech around the country denies he used any racial slurs
  • Says he called Marcus Smart a 'piece of cr*p'
  • Smart held a press conference on Sunday and apologized to Orr and both sets of fans

By James Nye

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College basketball has been rocked by firestorm of controversy after Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart was banned for three games for shoving a fan he thought shouted the n-word at him on Saturday night.

Smart, a 20-year-old sophomore, had fallen on the baseline with seconds remainin in Oklahoma's loss to Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, when he rapidly jumped to his feet and pushed superfan, Jeff Orr in the chest.

The jaws of the surrounding fans dropped as Smart used both his hands and the clearly enraged college player was restrained by his teammates as he pointed back at Orr, who is well known as a Texas Tech season ticket holder.

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What did you say? Marcus Smart approaches Texas Tech fan Jeff Orr who he thought had fired a racial slur his way in the dying seconds of the Oklahoma State - Texas Tech game on Saturday night

What did you say? Marcus Smart approaches Texas Tech fan Jeff Orr who he thought had fired a racial slur his way in the dying seconds of the Oklahoma State - Texas Tech game on Saturday night

What provoked it? Marcus Smart, 20, pushes Texas Tech's no1 fan, Jeff Orr on Saturday night after Orr reportedly called him a 'piece of cr*p' - however, Smart initially alleged that Orr called him the n-word

What provoked it? Marcus Smart, 20, pushes Texas Tech's no1 fan, Jeff Orr on Saturday night after Orr reportedly called him a 'piece of cr*p' - however, Smart initially alleged that Orr called him the n-word

Recoil: Orr is sent back flying by Smart, while members of the crowd try to stop and intervene with Smart's apparent lashing out

Recoil: Orr is sent back flying by Smart, while members of the crowd try to stop and intervene with Smart's apparent lashing out

Shocking: The shove was over as quickly as it began and caused the crowd to drop their jaws after Marcus Smart pushed Texas Tech fan, Jeff Orr

Shocking: The shove was over as quickly as it began and caused the crowd to drop their jaws after Marcus Smart pushed Texas Tech fan, Jeff Orr

Big 12 spokesman Rob Carolla confirmed the ban in accordance with the conference's sportsmanship policy and Smart accepted his ban.

'This is not how I condone myself, this is not how I was raised,' Smart said in a news conference Sunday.

'I take the responsibility and the consequences that come with it.'

In the chaotic aftermath of the altercation, radio analyst John Holcomb confirmed that he heard Marcus say the fan called him the n-word.

However, air-traffic controller, Orr, has categorically denied using any racial slurs.

Orr, who attends many Tech games a year, has voluntarily agreed to not attend any Red Raiders home or away games for the remainder of the season, according to a statement he released himself today.

Visibly upset: Smart had to be held back by his team mates after the fracas with Jeff Orr and the guard was subsequently ejected from the game by the referees

Visibly upset: Smart had to be held back by his team mates after the fracas with Jeff Orr and the guard was subsequently ejected from the game by the referees

What just happened? Jeff Orr seems to have recovered his poise after being pushed by Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart on Saturday night

What just happened? Jeff Orr seems to have recovered his poise after being pushed by Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart on Saturday night

'I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere apologies to Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State, Tubby Smith and the Texas Tech Men's Basketball program,' Orr said in the statement.

'My actions last night were inappropriate and do not reflect myself or Texas Tech - a university I love dearly. I regret calling Mr. Smart a `piece of crap' but I want to make it known that I did not use a racial slur of any kind.'

Smart had claimed to Oklahoma State coaches that Orr called him a racial slur, a member of the basketball program confirmed to ESPN.

 

According to a 2010 profile published on Texas Tech's official website, Orr is a 'Texas Tech basketball fan extraordinaire' who will travel from his home in Waco to Lubbock for most Red Raiders games.

The article declares him to be the Texans 'number one fan' and in 2003, Orr, who is a former student of Texas Tech, told the Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky that he had traveled as far as Hawaii and Alaska to watch the college players.

'I don’t hunt, fish, golf or any other normal guy activities. I just sort of follow the team around,' he said in the 2010 interview

Outraged: Smart appears to be furious after the incident with Orr and is still arguing with his team mates as they lead him away

Outraged: Smart appears to be furious after the incident with Orr and is still arguing with his team mates as they lead him away

Accusatory: Oklahoma State's Markel Brown(22) and Phil Forte(13) hold Marcus Smart(33) after Smart shoved a fan during their NCAA college basketball game in Lubbock, Texas, on Saturday

Accusatory: Oklahoma State's Markel Brown(22) and Phil Forte(13) hold Marcus Smart(33) after Smart shoved a fan during their NCAA college basketball game in Lubbock, Texas, on Saturday

And this is not the first time that Orr has been seen to openly antagonize opposition players.

An ESPN clip from 2010 shows Orr making an obscene hand gesture to Texas A&M's Bryan Davis during a game and sticking his tongue out at the player in a bizarre fashion.

Indeed, other former Big 12 players have come forward to say that Orr is well known around the circuit for trying to get under players skins.

Jazz guard, John Lucas III, who player on Oklahoma State’s 2004 Final Four team, tweeted, 'I just saw the video that same fan was at the games talking crazy even when I was in School I don’t forget a face he says a lot of crazy ish.'

However, some pros were critical of Smart and said there were no excuses for getting involved in an incident with a fan.

Desmond Mason, an 11-year NBA veteran who played all four years of his college career at Oklahoma State said that racial slurs are sadly part of the game in Texas.

Recognized: John Lucas III said that he remembered Jeff Orr from his time with the Oklahoma State and was insulting to opposition players even then

Recognized: John Lucas III said that he remembered Jeff Orr from his time with the Oklahoma State and was insulting to opposition players even then

No excuse: Desmond Mason said that no matter what had been said by Orr - it was no reason for Smart to launch any shove in his direction

No excuse: Desmond Mason said that no matter what had been said by Orr - it was no reason for Smart to launch any shove in his direction

'Some things are hard to ignore, BUT no excuses! Deal with your consequences. I was called the N word EVERY game I played in Lubbock!' Mason wrote on Twitter.

The college interviewed Orr and witnesses and photographers who were nearby as part of their investigation.

They issued a statement declaring that 'At no point on the film can a racial slur be heard'.

Former Texas Tech coach Pat Knight called Orr 'a great guy' and said he was surprised by Saturday's bust-up.

'He's one of the most loyal fans you'll ever find,' Knight told ESPN about Orr.

'I was shocked that he was involved. I know he's a crazy fan, a big supporter and a loyal guy, and I know him as a great guy. That's why I was so surprised.'

Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a news release the three-game suspension was for 'inappropriate conduct with a spectator.'

'Such behavior has no place in athletics and will not be tolerated,' Bowlsby said.

The Big 12 acted swiftly in banning the All-America guard, saying in a statement the penalty was handed down for 'inappropriate conduct with a spectator.'

Clarification: Jeff Orr told his friend that he did not say the n-word to Smart and later admitted he said, 'piece of cr*p' to the Oklahoma State guard

Clarification: Jeff Orr told his friend that he did not say the n-word to Smart and later admitted he said, 'piece of cr*p' to the Oklahoma State guard

Smart apologized to the fan, his family and team for his actions before coach Travis Ford expressed support for the sophomore without dismissing the severity of the player's actions.

'This is not how I conduct myself. This is not how the program is run. This is not how I was raised. I let my emotions get the best of me,' Smart said. 'It's something I'll have to learn from, a lesson I'll have to learn from. The consequences that are coming with it - I'm taking full responsibility. No fingers pointing - this is all upon me.'

Smart will miss games against Texas, Oklahoma and Baylor. He can return for the Cowboys' Feb. 22 home game against Texas Tech. But Ford said Smart will be allowed to practice.

Late in Saturday night's game at Lubbock, Texas, Smart shoved Tech fan Jeff Orr with two hands after it appeared the Red Raiders fan said something to the top NBA prospect. Teammates quickly pulled Smart away as he pointed back in Orr's direction.

Considered one of the best all-around players in the country, Smart has showed frustration more than once during an inconsistent season.

The sophomore guard got off to a fantastic start, leading to speculation that he could be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft this year.

He has struggled in some recent games, though, including a four-point effort against West Virginia when he kicked a chair on the bench. That led to him apologizing to his teammates afterward.

But Ford felt this incident was unprecedented for Smart.

During at 2010 contest against Texas A&M, Orr could be seen behind the basket making gestures at Aggies player Bryan Davis

During at 2010 contest against Texas A&M;, Orr could be seen behind the basket making gestures at Aggies player Bryan Davis

Dignified: Jeff Orr after the incident (with his tongue hanging out), has a history of antagonizing opposing players

Dignified: Jeff Orr after the incident (with his tongue hanging out), has a history of antagonizing opposing players

'Marcus Smart made a big mistake last night. He knows that,' Ford said. 'I know Marcus Smart. Pretty much been around him on a daily basis for two years.

Undoubtedly, last night was not one of his finest moments. But he's had a lot of fine moments as a player and as a person.'

Texas Tech coach Tubby Smith said he turned away from the play and didn't see the altercation.

'You really have to find the film to see what happened,' he said. 'I assume the officials saw what happened. That's why he got a technical out of it.

'The frustration when you're losing sometimes on a losing streak, I've been there before, it can be tough. I'm sure he regrets doing that, whatever he did, so things like that happen in the heat of the battle.'

Indiana Pacers' Ron Artest is restrained before being escorted off the court following a fight with the Detroit Pistons and fans in Auburn Hills, Michigan in 2004

Indiana Pacers' Ron Artest is restrained before being escorted off the court following a fight with the Detroit Pistons and fans in Auburn Hills, Michigan in 2004

Considered one of the best all-around players in the country, Smart has showed frustration more than once during an inconsistent season.

The sophomore guard got off to a fantastic start, leading to speculation that he could be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft this year.

He has struggled in some recent games, though, including a four-point effort against West Virginia when he kicked a chair on the bench. That led to him apologizing to his teammates afterward.

This one was tied at 61 when Crockett hit the go-ahead shot with 41 seconds remaining. Oklahoma State's Le'Bryan Nash lost the ball in the lane, and Crockett raced toward the basket at the other end.

Smart knocked the ball away and was called for a foul, then pushed Orr and drew the technical. Dusty Hannahs and Crockett each made one of two free throws for the final margin.

Knicks forward Metta World Peace believes Marcus Smart can learn from the fallout that will come after Smart shoved a fan during Oklahoma State's game at Texas Tech Saturday.

If anyone would know, it's the player formerly known as Ron Artest.

In 2004, Artest infamously ran into the stands and attacked a Detroit Pistons fan who he thought threw a beer on him. Artest was suspended for 73 regular-season games and the playoffs before being traded the next season.

No excuse: Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest gets into the stands to fight with some fans during a a brawl with the Detroit Pistons with just 45.9 seconds left in the game in 2004

No excuse: Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest gets into the stands to fight with some fans during a a brawl with the Detroit Pistons with just 45.9 seconds left in the game in 2004

Late in Saturday night's game at Lubbock, Texas, Smart confronted Jeff Orr after the Texas Tech super fan appeared to say something to the All-American guard.

Smart shoved him with two hands, and teammates quickly pulled Smart away as he pointed back in Orr's direction. Smart was issued a technical foul and did not play the final seconds of the game.

World Peace said Smart — who is projected to be a high NBA draft pick — might benefit from learning how to deal with obnoxious fans at age 19, before he becomes a pro and millions of dollars are on the line.

'Just in general, I heard the kid is pretty good and a potential pro,' World Peace said Sunday before his game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

'So those types of challenges on the court when you're playing and fans are rooting against you — that was a great lesson learned, so that hopefully when he does become a pro, he'll be able to kind of withstand the fans that are rooting against him on the road.'

World Peace also said Smart needs to learn to control his energy.

'I think that emotion and that fire could be directed towards winning on the court instead of directed other ways,' he said.

World Peace said given the chance, he would advise Smart to be aware of the big picture when making decisions.

'At 19 years old, when I came out of St. John's, I was fresh out the 'hood. I was fresh out of Queensbridge,' he said. 'So my mentality was still struggle, defensive and things like that. I wasn't really conscious. I'm 34 years old now. So he's a young kid.

Brutal: Eric Canton of Manchester United attacks a soccer fan in 1995 - an assault which shocked the United Kingdom

Brutal: Eric Canton of Manchester United attacks a soccer fan in 1995 - an assault which shocked the United Kingdom

'I wish I would have listened when I was a kid to my elders or people who had my best interests at heart, and then I wish I would have been more conscious at that age also.

'Those are two things that, if you were to reach out to a kid like Marcus — a talented kid, future leader in the community — you would tell him those things.'

World Peace said more guidelines should be in place for college fans because college players don't get paid. He said fans should have more leeway at NBA games.

'As far as the pros, people pay to come and see us, and I appreciate it because I'm able to take care of my family,' he said. 'So I don't really judge fans about what they say, good or bad.'

When asked if he would respond to the beer thrower differently in 2014 versus 2004, World Peace's eyes lit up.

'If you threw a beer on me, I would probably put you in a choke hold right now,' he said with a smile.

'And then we would get some ice cream later. But I would tell you how much of an (expletive) you were.'

And fans of soccer may remember French international Eric Cantona's infamous attack on a fan in 1995 when he appeared to launch into a kung-fu kick assault.

He was fined $35,000 and Cantona was sentenced to two weeks in prison which was reduced on 31 March to 120 hours community service for the attack and received a nine month ban.

The comments below have not been moderated.

Just because you are called a name that gives you NO right to assault someone. If a name doesn't fit you don't get mad because it doesn't apply. The "N-word" as they call it if you look it up in the dictionary simply means selfish. If you aren't selfish then don't let it bother you.

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