NBA slaps life ban on fan for assaulting Pelicans' assistant coach

The Houston Rockets fan, Manuel Garcia, who allegedly assaulted New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach Joe Boylan has been banned from all NBA events. The ban extends to WNBA, G League and 2K League events. An NBA spokesperson confirmed the ban. Garcia was accused of punching Boylan during the Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans game on Sunday, October 27. Rockets banned Garcia from all Rockets game following the match, but the NBA took a step further and banned him from all events. Garcia and Boyaln's altercation was also caught on video. Garcia appeared in court this weekend and requested more time to find a lawyer. He is currently out on bail. Garcia will be back in court in December.

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NBA 2019: Rockets' fan arrested and banned after allegedly punching Pelicans' assistant coach

The event took place after the match. The prosecutor charged 38-year-old Manuel Garcia with misdemeanour assault for allegedly punching Pelicans' assistant coach, Joe Boylan in his face. Garcia's girlfriend Brittney Aplin was also with him when the event occurred and was arrested too. The 33-year-old Aplin was arrested for allegedly preventing the police from getting a hold of Garcia. 

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The New Orleans Pelicans also issued a statement to a sports news channel later on. They said that they were aware of the incident that occurred, but will not be making any comment regarding the matter. Harris County District Attorney's Office prosecutor Nathan Beedle also made a statement and said that he would not speculate about the motive. Garcia was asked about the motive but refused to answer. 

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