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Alex Rodriguez Had Classy Gesture for Young Fan Caught in Timberwolves-Pistons Fight

Rodriguez watches a Timberwolves game against the Houston Rockets at Target Center.
Rodriguez watches a Timberwolves game against the Houston Rockets at Target Center. | Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Five players and two coaches were ejected after a big fight between the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center Sunday. The chaos began after Wolves big man Naz Reid wagged his finger in Pistons rookie Ron Holland's face. Wolves guard Donte DiVincenzo stepped in the way with a subtle shove and was then brought into the first row of the court side seats in the midst of a scrum.

A young Wolves fan wearing an Anthony Edwards jersey was caught in the middle of the madness. Former MLB star Alex Rodriguez, who will soon be a controlling owner of the franchise, noticed and came over to comfort the fan following the incident, according to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski.

Rodriguez brought a gift with him, too, giving a fresh Reid jersey to the fan.

"And this kid was right there in the thick of it all, had the best seat in the house," Timberwolves broadcaster Michael Grady explained. "He's going to be the coolest kid at school tomorrow as he got a Naz Reid jersey handed to him by Alex Rodriguez."

What a nice gesture after what certainly was an unexpected moment when you have front-row seats to an NBA game. Thankfully the young fan is O.K., and he has a great story and a new souvenir to show for it.


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Blake Silverman
BLAKE SILVERMAN

Blake Silverman is a writer at Sports Illustrated, primarily covering the NBA and WNBA. Before joining SI in November 2024 as a breaking/trending news writer, he covered the WNBA, NBA, G League and college basketball for numerous sites, including Winsidr, SB Nation and A10Talk. He’s an alum of both Michigan State and St. Bonaventure University, receiving a master’s degree from the Bonnies’ sports journalism program. Outside of work, he’s a husband, father, yogi and fairly mediocre tennis player who’s open to any tips on how to play defense in EA Sports College Football.