Jeff Orr: Fan Shoved By Marcus Smart Has History Of Misbehavior
Jeff Orr claimed that he did not use the n-word when antagonizing Marcus Smart on Saturday, but many fingers are pointing to the so-called “superfan” after his now-famous altercation with Smart.
The incident occurred at the tail end of Oklahoma State’s upset loss to Texas Tech. After Smart tried to block Jaye Crockett’s dunk with just over six seconds left in the game, he lost his balance and tumbled into the first row of the crowd. After being helped to his feet, Smart turned to a fan who had shouted something at him and delivered a two-handed shove that knocked the fan backward.
After the incident, Smart reportedly told coaches that the fan in question used the N-word, but in a correspondence with a reporter Jeff Orr denied using the word.
“wasn’t vulgar or the N Word” he texted the reporter, though Orr did admit that “I kinda let my mouth say something I shouldn’t have,I feel bad”
Referees called Marcus Smart for a technical foul for the incident, but he was allowed to remain in the game.
Some kind of disciplinary action is expected against Smart, which ESPN analyst Andy Katz said could range from a private reprimand to a suspension.
Texas Tech coach Tubby Smith seemed to have a bit of sympathy for Marcus Smart, saying he got caught up in the moment.
“You really have to find the film to see what happened,” he said. “I assume the officials saw what happened. That’s why he got a technical out of it. The frustration when you’re losing sometimes on a losing streak, I’ve been there before, it can be tough. I’m sure he regrets doing that, whatever he did, so things like that happen in the heat of the battle.”
Many eyes have turned to Jeff Orr after the incident, especially give his history of antagonizing opposing players. During at 2010 contest against Texas A&M, Orr could be seen behind the basket making gestures at Aggies player Bryan Davis.
The incident can be seen at the 0:35 mark of the video below:
Even before the Marcus Smart incident, Jeff Orr had gained fame among Texas Tech fans and opponents alike, and was the subject of a feature story in Texas Tech Today.
