Celtics' Jaylen Brown speaks out in opposition to poisonous fan tradition and systemic racism in Boston

Jaylen Brown, some of the constant gamers of the Boston Celtics, not too long ago opened up about his expertise as a Black athlete within the staff. In an interview with Sopan Deb of the New York Occasions, Brown addressed the unfavorable remedy that some Boston followers have in direction of Black athletes.

He stated: “I’ve, however I just about block all of it out. It is not the entire Celtic fan base, however it is part of the fan base that exists throughout the Celtic nation that’s problematic. If in case you have a nasty sport, they tie it to your private character.”

Brown additionally spoke with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps in Might 2021 about systemic racism and his expertise in Boston. Whereas he acknowledged that not each Celtics fan is racist, he acknowledged the necessity for enchancment in varied elements akin to town’s wealth disparity, inequality in training, and tokenism.

Different NBA stars have complained for Boston followers’ habits

Draymond Inexperienced, a veteran of the Golden State Warriors, additionally shared his unfavorable expertise with Boston followers. In the course of the 2022 NBA Finals, which the Celtics misplaced to the Warriors in six video games, Inexperienced recalled Boston followers directing racial slurs in direction of him and Stephen Curry. He instructed ESPN’s Kendra Andrews: “It took some time to regulate to it … it was simply so surprising. It caught me off guard.”

Even LeBron James has voiced his opinion on Boston’s racism. Throughout an look on HBO’s The Store in July, James was requested, “Why do you hate Boston?” to which he responded, “As a result of they’re racist as f–k.”

The racism in Boston is not a brand new challenge, and it isn’t solely restricted to athletes. Celtics legend Invoice Russell, who gained 11 championships with the franchise, described Boston as “a flea market of racism” in his 1979 memoir, Second Wind. Different former Celtics, together with Corridor of Famer Okay.C. Jones, have additionally described the racism they skilled in Boston.

This season, Brown has additionally been a sufferer of unwarranted criticism from followers. The Celtics have had excessive expectations lately, and after reaching the NBA Finals final season, the strain is on. The staff was in first place within the Jap Convention for a lot of the 2022-23 season however is now two video games behind the Milwaukee Bucks.