Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch: Russell Westbrook Sometimes Can Take Things the Wrong Way

Republican Senator Orrin Hatch came to the defense of the Utah Jazz fans Russell Westbrook ripped after the Oklahoma City Thunder's Game 6 loss in Utah.

"I'm sure that he sometimes can take things the wrong way, too," Hatch told Josh Peter of USA Today. "I have no doubt that some people can act improperly, but I also have no doubt that the vast majority of Utah fans are pretty decent people."

It wasn't the first time a politician has had something to say about Westbrook this postseason:

Westbrook, who on two different occasions during Game 6 yelled at Utah fans sitting near the exit tunnel and swiped at one fan's phone who was recording him after the game, did not speak highly of the Jazz faithful after Friday's 96-91 loss.

"Here in Utah, man, a lot of disrespectful, vulgar things are said to the players here with these fans," Westbrook said. "It's truly disrespectful. (They) talk about your families, your kids. It's just a disrespect to the game and I think it's something that needs to be brought up."

"When you get down to these last few games and playoffs, the players get really caught up in it and so do the fans," Hatch, who also called Westbrook a "class act" and a great player, said in response.