NBA fans are reacting to Spike Lee putting out a strongly worded explanation as to why he had ‘Free Palestine’ written on his clothes at the All-Star Game. While many sided with Lee’s stance on the region’s politics, others felt that his choice of outfit was inappropriate, especially considering that Deni Avdija was playing in the event.
Lee’s explanation too was considered shallow, with the movie-maker stating that he did not know who Deni Avdija was. NBA fans have been agreeing with Joel M. Petlin’s tweet calling out Lee’s message that he was sending with his clothes and also his following explanation.
“Spike Lee is a tremendous basketball fans. He has floor seats at the Garden and goes to nearly every Knicks home game. He is personal friends with many of the players from other teams as well. Even casual fans know the star players on each team from watching games and from ESPN highlights. In fact, Deni Avdija is the best player on Portland and he received more fan votes than LeBron James. I don’t believe for a second that Spike didn’t know who Deni was, that he was playing in the NBA All Star game, or that he was Israeli. He obviously wore that costume as way to harass and provoke a Jewish player, based upon his home country. Now Spike is embarrassed because people noticed and he doesn’t want the league to reprimand him for his conduct. Sorry Spike. I was born at night, but not last night.” Joel M. Petlin tweeted.
Spike Lee is a tremendous basketball fan. He has floor seats at the Garden and goes to nearly every Knicks home game. He is personal friends with many of the players from other teams as well.
Even casual fans know the star players on each team from watching games and from ESPN… pic.twitter.com/p8IsJHfyEp
— Joel M. Petlin (@Joelmpetlin) February 18, 2026
“Based on Spike’s reasoning it’s okay to dress up in a KKK robe and say you’re doing it out of concern for southern children.” one fan said.
“All they do is lie. Zero accountability. Get found out. Lie. Deflect. Gaslight. DARVO.” Another fan complained.
“He should be banned but the gutless NBA won’t.” one more fan said.
NBA Fans Continue To Take Shots At Spike Lee
It seems like NBA fans are definitely not ready to buy what Spike Lee is selling and still feel that the famed filmmaker is racist and anti-Israel. Some are even pulling receipts from the post to prove that Lee has been racist for a long time.
“If he truly didn’t know, well the, he should have before putting on that outfit!” one fan said.
“Spikes been an Open Air Racist since 1985 Not surprised by him at all.” another fan accused.
“I’d have more respect for him if he would have just said I don’t like Jewish people!! However, he doesn’t the guts! Dude is a fraud!” one more fan echoed.
Spike Lee did try to save face by remarking that he only wore the outfit for the sake of the “Palestinian Children and Civilians.” However, it seems like his explanation only made everyone all the more angry.
