Resident Starts Petition to Change Durant, Oklahoma, Name to Westbrook

When an adored sports star leaves his team, the fallout is never pretty. Fans do not forget. (Unless he comes back and wins the city a championship, in which case they obviously never stopped loving him.)

When Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors, bitter supporters inevitably flocked to burn his jersey. How dare a 27-year-old relocate his job?

In a less predictable form of backlash, an Oklahoma resident started a Change.org petition to rename the city of Durant, Oklahoma—which isn't named after the NBA star—to Westbrook.

Here is part of the plea from Edmond, Oklahoma, resident Ryan Nazari:

"

As many of you know, Kevin Durant has left our state, torn out our hearts, and left our beloved Oklahoma City Thunder in depleted shape. All of this after even being offered a cabinet position for the State of Oklahoma. It is because of this heinous action that I believe the State of Oklahoma has a responsibility to change the name of the City of Durant to Westbrook, the man who is loyal, whom we believe in, and who will lead our team to glory. 

"

Although Edmond is nearly three hours away from Durant by car, Nazari has taken up the cause to instead honor Russell Westbrook, who will remain in Oklahoma City after signing a contract extension. 

As of Thursday afternoon, the petition has over 300 signatures.

[Change.org, h/t KOCO.com]