E-40 and the Sacramento Kings released a joint statement on Wednesday to address the rapper’s ejection from Game 1 of the first-round series between the Warriors and Kings.
In the statement, the Kings organization said that 40 was not standing “excessively from his ticketed courtside seat” and chalked it all up to a misunderstanding.
“After a series of thoughtful and transparent conversations, both parties agree that there was a miscommunication regarding the circumstances that occurred during the Kings vs. Warriors game on Saturday night,” the statement begins. “Contrary to speculation, Mr. Earl “E-40” Stevens did not stand excessively from his ticketed courtside seat; the outcome resulted from an unfortunate misunderstanding between both parties.”
It continues, “The Kings will continue to equitably enforce the NBA Fan Code of Conduct to ensure guests can comfortably enjoy games free of disrespectful heckling and other disruptive conduct. The organization has been a longtime leader in promoting social justice and racial equality with a track record of measurable results and community impacts. Mr. Stevens has previously attended games at Golden 1 Center without incident, and the Kings look forward to welcoming him back to our arena in the future.”
The incident, which was partially captured on video, occurred on Sunday, April 16 following an altercation with a spectator who E-40 claimed was “heckling” him. In a statement he released after being escorted out of the arena, 40 said that he was subjected to “racial bias.”
“Unfortunately, it was yet another reminder that — despite my success and accolades as a musician and entrepreneur — racial bias remains prevalent. Security saw a disagreement between a Black man and a white woman and immediately assumed that I was at fault,” 40 wrote at the time.
He continued, “I was absolutely humiliated by the Kings’ security team and I’m calling on the franchise to investigate the appalling conduct that transpired.”
This post will be updated.
Related Stories
E-40 Announces Release of New Spirit Brand Tycoon Vodka
The Bay Area hip-hop legend named the vodka after his 2016 track "Tycoon," produced by Nonstop da Hitman. The brand is available now at Uptown Spirits.
E-40 Gives $100,000 to HBCU Alma Mater Grambling State University, Recording Studio Named After Him
E-40 donated $100,000 to Grambling State University, his HBCU alma mater. The school then surprised him by naming a recording studio after him.
E-40, Too Short, Sway, and Mistah F.A.B. Head to White House With Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors visited the White House as NBA champions, and E-40, Too Short, Sway, and Mistah F.A.B. were among those in attendance.
