Cleveland holds a 51-47 lead over Chicago at intermission this evening, with LeBron James leading all scorers with 26 points. Wednesday night, not only did LeBron drop 50 points on the Knicks, but he was accosted in the game’s waning moments by an overzealous fan professing his deep appreciation.
The fan in question, 17 year old Anthony Erskine of Mount Vernon, might be too young to remember the last time an NBA superstar was confronted by a Garden patron eager to break the boundaries between audience and performer.
From the AP, April 8, 2003 :
Two weeks after acting erratically at a New York Knicks basketball game, fashion designer Calvin Klein has announced he is seeking treatment for a drug problem.
A spokeswoman for Klein, 60, would not specify the type of treatment he will receive. In 1988, Klein entered the Hazelden Institute in Minnesota for alcohol and prescription drug abuse.
“For many years, I’ve been able to successfully address my substance abuse issues, which for anyone is a lifelong process, through strict adherence to counselling and regular attendance at meetings,” Klein said in a statement.
“However, when I recently stopped attending meetings regularly, I suffered a setback.”
Klein credited friends with helping him to recognise the problem and also said he would continue to work with his company, Calvin Klein Inc, which was recently acquired by apparel maker Phillips-Van Heusen.
At the basketball game, Klein left his seat and walked up to Knicks player Latrell Sprewell as he was about to throw an inbound pass. He was escorted back to his seat by guards. Sprewell later said Klein was mumbling and could not be understood.