AS Monaco and NBA star Mike James has become the target of despicable racist abuse from a spectator during an international basketball match in Finland, prompting swift and severe action from tournament organisers.
The incident occurred during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Pre-Qualifiers match between Finland and Montenegro. James, who plays for the Montenegrin national team, was subjected to a torrent of vile abuse from a fan in the stands.
Tournament Officials Issue Lifetime Ban
In a powerful statement condemning the incident, the Finnish Basketball Association (FBA) and tournament organisers confirmed they have identified the individual responsible and issued a lifetime ban from all future events.
The FBA stated: "Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in basketball or anywhere in society. We apologise to Mike James and the Montenegrin team for this appalling incident."
Mike James's Stellar Career
The 33-year-old American-born guard, a standout performer for AS Monaco in the French league and EuroLeague, has established himself as one of European basketball's most formidable talents. His decision to represent Montenegro through naturalisation has been a significant boost for the national team.
This incident highlights the persistent issue of racism in sports, despite ongoing campaigns and efforts to promote inclusivity and respect both on and off the court.
Basketball Community Stands in Solidarity
The basketball world has rallied around James, with players, teams, and fans expressing their support and condemning the racist behaviour. The swift action by Finnish authorities has been widely praised as an appropriate response to such intolerable conduct.
FIBA Europe has reinforced its commitment to eliminating discrimination from the sport, reminding all national associations of their responsibility to protect players and maintain a respectful environment for competition.
