The Philadelphia 76ers fan who made an inappropriate gesture at Russell Westbrook Wednesday night has apologized for his actions, though he claims the Oklahoma City Thunder star provoked him.
Richard Harkaway, a practicing urologist and self-proclaimed “part-time comedian,” issued a statement to Philly.com on Thursday.
“As a part-time comedian I realize that my words and actions are sometimes inappropriate,” Harkaway said. “In this instance, after standing up to boo and being provoked by Russell Westbrook calling attention to my being overweight, my action in response was clearly inexcusable and I am embarrassed. I sincerely apologize to my fellow Sixers fans, the Sixers organization, my colleagues and patients, and to Mr. Westbrook for my behavior.”
Harkaway was caught by television cameras flipping Westbrook the double-bird after Westbrook converted a basket and was fouled. While he was removed from his seat by security, he was supposedly allowed to remain inside the arena for the remainder of the game.
Westbrook did shout something toward the crowd before Harkaway flipped him off, though it’s unclear who the shouting was directed at. You can see a video of the exchange here.
As for the amount of money Harkaway must have wasted by being kicked out of his courtside seats, Philly.com notes that public records show he lives in a $1.3 million condo at Trump Place in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The urology business must be booming.
