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LeBron James Calls out Warriors Part-Owner Mark Stevens for Kyle Lowry Push

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTFeatured ColumnistJune 6, 2019

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05:  Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors is pushed by Warriors minority investor Mark Stevens (blue shirt) after falling into the seats after a play against the Golden State Warriors in the second half during Game Three of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 05, 2019 in Oakland, California. According to to the Warriors, Stevens will not be in attendance for the remainder of the NBA Finals as they look further into the incident. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Golden State Warriors minority stakeholder Mark Stevens pushed Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry after he dove into the stands during Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.

And Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James took to Instagram on Thursday to call out Stevens for his inappropriate actions:

"When you sit courtside you absolutely know what comes with being on the floor and if you don't know it's on the back on the ticket itself that states the guidelines. But he himself being a fan but more importantly PART-OWNER of the Warriors knew exactly what he was doing which was so uncalled for. He knew the rules more than just the average person sitting watching the game courtside so for that Something needs to be done ASAP! A swift action for his actions.

"Just think to yourself, what if @kyle_lowry7 would have reacted and put his hands back on him. You guys would be going CRAZY!! Calling for him to damn near be put in jail let alone being suspended for the rest of the Finals all because he was protected himself. I've been quite throughout the whole NBA playoffs watching every game (haven't missed one) but after I saw what I saw last night, took time to let it manifest into my thinking. I couldn't and wouldn't be quiet on this!"

Kyle Lowry also spoke about the incident after the game:

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

Kyle Lowry didn't appreciate what happened in Game 3 https://t.co/a8vXBKW6I9

The Warriors released a statement and said Stevens—who was ejected from the game after pushing Lowry—would not be in attendance for any remaining NBA Finals games:

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps

The Warriors have released a statement about last night’s incident involving Warriors investor Mark Stevens shoving Kyle Lowry, which includes an apology from the organization and says the investigation is ongoing: https://t.co/E8OQN3GPOC

James also responded to that announcement on Twitter:

LeBron James @KingJames

@Rachel__Nichols Ok cool but still ain’t enough! They did exactly what they had to do. Get in front of it before anyone else and plus there’s only 4 games left(2 max in GS).

The NBA also banned Stevens from games:

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania

The NBA has banned Golden State Warriors minority investor Mark Stevens from games for shove on Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry in Game 3 as league investigation continues.

In addition to pushing Lowry, Stevens also reportedly cursed at him and told him to "Go f--k yourself," according to Bruce Arthur of the Toronto StarArash Madani of SportsNet reported Stevens "will be making a public apology and providing a donation to Kyle's 'Lowry Love Foundation.'"

Along with being a minority stakeholder and executive board member of the Warriors, Stevens is also the managing partner of S-Curbed Capital. He was formerly the managing partner of Sequoia Capital.

James wasn't alone in condemning Stevens:

Herd w/Colin Cowherd @TheHerd

"Mark Stevens should never, ever be allowed to have a courtside seat again and if I was Adam Silver, I'd take him out of the ownership circle. I'd get him out of there, have him bought out... Get him out of the arena forever." — @ColinCowherd https://t.co/OtQNeBB8Fn

Andrew Joseph @AndyJ0seph

Mark Stevens should give up his stake in the team and be banned from NBA games https://t.co/nIuMnPOoRN

Kathy Griffin @kathygriffin

If a fan had done this, they would be banned for life. Don’t start with me with “Drake kinda did that once.” Not even close to this situation. #MarkStevens, you’re only a minority owner anyway. Marky, calm down gurrrl. Big penalty🙄. Please, are there one or two games left? https://t.co/khTZVtUsbt

The Raptors defeated the Warriors 123-109 on Wednesday night, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.