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Kyle Kuzma played college ball at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He offered his perspective on the Russell Westbrook incident with the Jazz fan in a brief chat with ESPN today. (thread)
"My experience in Utah was great. I never had any issues. Obviously I didn't play for the Jazz, but a lot of Jazz fans are University of Utah fans. It's pretty much the same (fans). But I definitely see how it could be different just because you're playing for the opposing team"
"Nobody is going to say crazy things to who they cheer for."
Q: In your two years in the NBA have you been subject to similar fan treatment? A: "I've never had nothing crazy (directed towards me). Of course people always say ignorant things but, for me, no. I've never really had issues with fans or anybody in my time in the league."
Q: Do you feel safe? A: "I feel safe (on the bench). I don't ever think a fan is going to run up and sock me in the face ... But, it's kind of tough, the world that we live in today that some players don't feel as safe physically or mentally, especially in Russ's case (Monday)."
Q: Have you heard stuff like that directed at your teammates? A: "No. I have not. But it's very unfortunate, to say the least, what happens. ...
"I'm not going to call Utah a racist state, but there is racism everywhere in this country and it kind of just shows where we are as a society what we still have to go through and players have to hear derogatory things about their ethnicity and whatnot. It's very saddening."
