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NBA enacting zero-tolerance rules for abusive, hateful fan behavior

About a dozen NBA players gathered for a teleconference with officials in the league office this summer, making their case about what they believe is one of the biggest problems in the game.

Fan behavior, they said, is getting worse.

The numbers show they're right, and if that isn't troubling enough race only adds to the complexity of the issue: Most NBA players are black, and it seems like most of those in the closest seats are white. Not every incident is racially motivated, though some clearly are.

After high-profile incidents involving Russell Westbrook, DeMarcus Cousins, Kyle Lowry and others last season -- including ones involving racist taunts -- zero tolerance for abusive or hateful behavior is now to become the NBA's policy going forward.