Fans and commentators couldn’t stop replaying that wild moment when Draymond Green looked up at Victor Wembanyama during their heated exchange. Yep, Green had to crane his neck, and Wemby just casually towered over him, making the whole thing unintentionally hilarious. This time around, though, Green found someone closer to his eye level, so the scene lost the accidental comedy. But here’s the kicker: instead of Green catching any techs or fouls, the opposing side took the heat, and it wasn’t a player this time. Nope, a fan ended up front and center, getting shown a “red card” as if they were somehow part of the game.

The red card isn’t a collectible from Fanatics Fest, it’s a literal warning issued to fans in the arena for abusive language or behavior, whether it’s aimed at players, coaches, referees, or other fans. One slip, one over-the-top comment, and the ref (or arena staff) can hand it to you, signaling, ‘This is your only warning, next time, you’re out.’ Simple, right? No refunds, no second chances, and definitely no trying to argue with it from your courtside seat.

The idea isn’t brand new. Red warning cards have been floating around NBA arenas since at least 2005, and by 2013, fans sitting courtside were actually seeing them in action. Over time, though, the practice lost steam, fans got raucous, refs turned a blind eye, and sudden ejections were the only real consequence. Now, the league seems to be bringing it back into the spotlight. The point? Troll players or staff online all you want, but if you’re shouting from the stands, you might just get a literal warning in your face.

Before the season even tipped off, the NBA shot out a memo to all 30 teams with a very clear message: “consistent and vigilant enforcement of the NBA Fan Code of Conduct, to deter and address fan misconduct at NBA games and events.” Basically, no more letting chaos slide in the stands. Arena staff were reminded they “must be trained to identify behavior that violates NBA rules and to respond proactively.” Translation: spot trouble early and handle it fast.

If you’re heading to an NBA game, it’s smart to know the rules. Treat players, coaches, fellow fans, and arena staff with respect, keep things fun and safe, and drink responsibly. Stay in your assigned seat with your ticket ready, avoid fighting, throwing objects, or sneaking onto the court, and smoke only in designated areas. Skip offensive signs or clothing, and follow all staff instructions. In short: cheer loud, have fun, but don’t be that fan.

If you’re interested in knowing what exactly must be written on the card, well, it reads this:

“You are being issued a warning that the comments, gestures, and/or behaviors that you have directed at the players, coaches, game officials, or other spectators constitute excessive verbal abuse or behavior that is disruptive or interferes with a game participant or another spectator and are in violation of the NBA Fan Code of Conduct. This is the first and only warning that you will receive. If, after receiving this warning, you verbally abuse any player, coach, game official, or spectator, or engage in behavior that is disruptive or interferes with a game participant or another spectator, you will be immediately ejected from the arena without refund.”

Draymond, a fan, and the NBA red card drama

Well, tonight the NBA had to break out the infamous red card again. In the second quarter of the Warriors vs. Pelicans game at Smoothie King Center, Draymond Green strolled over to a fan sitting along the baseline, and the two exchanged some heated words. No shoves, no flying water bottles, just pure verbal sparks, enough for arena security to step in before things got out of hand.

As Pelicans forward Herb Jones lined up a free throw, the fan suddenly found themselves in the NBA spotlight, and not the fun kind. According to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, the courtside troublemaker got handed a red warning card. 

Green’s history with fans isn’t exactly peaceful either. Last season, a Timberwolves playoff attendee got ejected for targeting him with racially charged remarks, and back in 2022, Draymond himself got hit with a $25,000 fine for cursing at a fan. Clearly, words fly fast in Draymond’s world.

What exactly did this fan say to trigger Green? That’s unclear. But the result was classic NBA balance: one red card later, the drama was contained, and the game rolled on.