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Dallas Mavericks fans removed from American Airlines Center after 'Fire Nico' demonstration

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•02/10/25•

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Nico Harrison
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Fans in Dallas have not been too happy with Nico Harrison for just over a week now. Harrison executed a trade to send Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round pick. Saturday was the first home game since the trade, quickly followed by Monday’s matchup against Sacramento.

The Mavericks did not show any fans on the jumbotron on Saturday, fearing protests. Early against the Kings, it changed and two fans took advantage. Instead of participating in the on-screen karaoke, the fan mouthed “Fire Nico.”

Zoomed in on the fan’s face, the camera quickly backed up. The same fan, along with a friend, was later seen having a sign with the same two words he said on the jumbotron. You can check both of them out here.

Well, security inside the American Airlines Center decided they had enough. In the picture of the signs being held up, you can see an usher near them, attempting to get their attention.

Not too long after, a video emerged of the two fans being escorted out of the arena. A noticeable booing sound was present from fellow fans watching the game. The full moment was captured below.

This comes on the same night Doncic is set to make his debut for the Lakers. An injury had kept him out for quite some time, dating back to Christmas Day with the Mavericks. Doncic initially thought he would return to the court to help Dallas make a small push before the All-Star break.

Instead, he is set to suit up in the purple and gold for the first time in his career. Los Angeles is as hot as any team in the NBA, winners of five straight and up to the third seed in the Western Conference.

Clearly, Mavs fans are still not happy with the trade. Protests took place outside the American Airlines Center on Saturday afternoon, with fans gathering near the Dirk Nowitzki statue. This was the first instance of something occurring inside the arena during a game.

Harrison was not in attendance for Saturday’s game, one Dallas won over Houston. Neither was owner Patrick Dumont, somebody who approved the move when Harrison brought up the idea. Both were inside the American Airlines Center on Monday.

Feb. 25 and April 9 have also become a date to circle on calendars. The former will be Doncic’s first matchup against his old team and then in April, he will return to Dallas for the first time.