The Philadelphia Sixers fan who got his 15 minutes of fame after giving Russell Westbrook double middle fingers on national television has now apologized, somewhat. Richard Harkaway gave Russ the double birds early in the Sixers game against OKC on Wednesday, after Russ converted a basket and was fouled. He wound up near the baseline right in front of fans when he was “saluted” with the middle fingers, which led to him looking astonished and wondering if fans can even instigate with a player like that.
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Harkaway was removed from his expensive courtside seat almost immediately, although numerous reports say he was allowed to stay in the arena itself. He apologized after the fact but insinuated that he only flipped Russ off after he made a comment about his weight.
“As a part-time comedian I realize that my words and actions are sometimes inappropriate,” Harkaway said in a statement to Philly.com issued by a personal representative.
“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,” the statement said.
Harkaway, a urologist from North Philadelphia, was sitting in the second row of the baseline seats when he stood up and put his middle fingers directly toward Westbrook’s face during the first quarter and said, “F— you!”
His response is interesting considering everyone heard Russ shout very loudly “and 1” after making the basket and being fouled. He was flipped off immediately so if he made a comment about Harkless being overweight, he must’ve been the only person to hear that.
