Deserved or not, Utah Jazz fans have taken quite a bit of flak over the last few days.

During Monday night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a Jazz fan who was seated courtside shouted a few nasty remarks in Russell Westbrook's direction. As a result, the fan has been banned from all Vivint Smart Home Arena events.

The fan, who was later identified as Shane Keisel, was initially escorted into the tunnel and issued a warning. According to Westbrook, Keisel was shouting derogatory comments.

Keisel claimed that he told Westbrook to “ice those knees.” However, Russell alleged that Keisel told him to “get down on your knees like you used to.”

NBA officials watched video of the incident and confirmed Westbrook's side of the story, resulting in Keisel's ban.

In lieu of this shouting match, a group of Jazz fans have started a GoFundMe page to change the public perception of their fandom. They want it to be clear that not all Jazz fans are like Keisel.

Via Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune:

“In light of recent events between Russell Westbrook & a few outlying Jazz fans, I am calling for the true, loyal, welcoming & kind Utah Jazz fans to show our true colors,” Devin Deaton, a Jazz fan from Sandy, explained in the GoFundMe’s description.

“It is time to change the narrative on citizens of Utah, fans of the Jazz and those that call Utah ‘home,’” Deaton continued. “We are not a bunch of redneck, racist, bigots. Most of us are dads, moms, friends, hard-workers, kind-hearted, do right by each other, help our fellow man, good neighbors and welcoming to all.”

According to a report from the Salt Lake Tribune, the group of fans is hoping to raise $25K, which is the amount Westbrook was fined for retaliating with obscenities of his own. Their goal is to donate the money to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

Sitting court-side is a privilege, but it comes with a certain amount of responsibility. Hopefully, stories like this one will serve as a precedent for behavior in the future.