The NBA issued standard security guidelines for all its arenas to try to prevent another brawl between players and fans.
The rules apply to all NBA games beginning with Sunday’s All-Star game in Denver. The guidelines ban alcohol sales after the beginning of the fourth quarter, limit the size of drinks to 24 ounces and limit buyers to two drinks per purchase. They also require designated driver programs at each arena.
“We look at this as an opportunity to remind people that coming to an arena is an opportunity to share an experience of rooting a home team on to victory and booing the opposition, but not doing it in an anti-social way that goes against our civil society,” NBA commissioner David Stern told The Denver Post.
In each arena teams will also post a code of conduct, which includes:
– “Players will respect and appreciate each and every fan.”
– “Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional and courteous manner by all arena and team personnel.”
– “Guests will enjoy the basketball experience free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.”
OUT: Charlotte Bobcats forward Emeka Okafor will miss the NBA Rookie Challenge because of a sprained left ankle. Okafor, who has 27 double-doubles in 42 games, will be replaced by Boston’s Al Jefferson.
ELECTION DAY: Basketball fans can vote for the 10 greatest moments in NBA history at nba.com. Voting goes through March 15; results will be shown on the History Channel during a one-hour special April 21.
