Russell Westbrook opened up about the harassment he and his family have faced since he joined the Los Angeles Lakers.
In addition to being taunted by fans on the court and being called disrespectful names like “Westbrick,” Russell’s wife, Nina Westbrook, is being harassed over the games and their family has received death threats.
Nina took to Twitter on Monday (March 7) and shared:
When I’m being harassed on a daily basis over basketball games, and I’m having obscenity’s and death wishes for me and my family sent my way because you’re expressing your “truth”, it’s hard for me to get on board with that.
See her full thread of tweets below.
Nina Westbrook also had a message for Skip Bayless, who also disrespects their family name.
Skip apparently didn’t want the smoke and blocked Nina on socials.
The Bleacher Report shared a clip of Russell telling a fan, who was calling him “Westbrick,” not to disrespect his name.
Sadly, NBA legends like Magic Johnson, who knows what it’s like to deal with public scrutiny on and off the court, was seen referring to Russell as “Westbrick.” SMH
In his post-game press conference, Russell Westbrook spoke openly about the disrespect and how it is impacting his family.
I 100 percent stand behind my wife and how she’s feeling.
This is just a game. When it comes to basketball, I don’t mind the criticism of missing and making shots. But the moment it becomes where my name is getting shamed, it becomes an issue.
I’ve kind of let it go in the past because it never really bothered me. But it really kind of hit me the other day.
Me and my wife were at teacher-parent conferences for my son. And the teacher told me, ’Noah, he’s so proud of his last name. He writes it everywhere. He writes it on everything.
He tells everybody and walks around and says, ‘I’m Westbrook.’ … And I kind of sat there in shock, and it hit me, like, ‘Damn. I can no longer allow people [to besmirch my name].’
Watch the press conference clip below.
This is absolutely ridiculous and heartbreaking! Russell and his family should not have to endure this nonsense over the game of basketball.
Read a few Twitter reactions below.
Your thoughts?
Source: Sports Illustrated
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