NBA fans are reacting after former Raptors player Demar DeRozan got into a heated physical altercation with a fan in a now viral video.
The chaotic scene shows both the Sacramento Kings Small Forward and an unknown man fighting in the middle of a sushi restaurant, reportedly located in Calabasas, California.
The man can be seen on the floor with his legs in the air, while DeRozan is being pulled off of him.
Once the NBA superstar is pulled off, the unknown male begins to demand his phone back, which DeRozan allegedly had.
“Give me my phone Demar, give me my phone,” the man yelled.
During the dramatic altercation the man can even be heard yelling, “you’re my hero.”
The video ends with DeRozan being pulled out of the room.
The altercation allegedly began when the fan shoved a phone with a bright light in the NBA player’s face, to which DeRozan immediately shoved the phone away.
NBA fans took to social media to express their shock and disbelief, and also sympathize with DeRozan.
“This is your daily reminder that athletes are just people and want to be left in peace,” a Reddit user said.
“Leave people alone lol he’s just trying to eat,” another person said.
“Can we just leave people alone? Like he’s a person first, basketball player second,” another user added.
At one point in the video, a woman, who appears to be DeRozan’s partner, can be seen getting in between the two men to prevent the situation from escalating, while also trying to calm down the NBA player and help him get out of the room. People online were quick to applaud her for her actions.
“His girl is the MVP. She broke it up and gave him time to get away while telling him it’s not worth it. That’s a ride or die,” one Reddit user said.
“She handled this perfectly, I’m very impressed,” another user said.
DeRozan played for the Toronto Raptors for nine seasons before leaving the team in 2018. In 2024, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings.
DeRozan has yet to release a public statement in regards to the altercation.
