Warriors Fans Booed Their Owner During Chris Mullin's Jersey Retirement, And It Was So Awkward I Can't Even Watch

Right, so, if you can make it through five minutes of near-constant boos for Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob, as he's attempting to honor Chris Mullin by raising his jersey to the rafters, well, you're great at suppressing your cringe reflex.

It was supposed to be all about Mullin, who spent 13 seasons playing for the Golden State and five more in the front office. These things are supposed to be love-ins. And it was, until Lacob took the microphone. Maybe it was the fact that the Warriors were down 14 points at the half. Maybe it was that Monta Ellis, the franchise's most popular player, was sent packing last week. Or maybe it's just that an Oakland crowd is an Oakland crowd, and they love doing this sort of thing (shades of booing then-owner Chris Cohan at the 2000 All-Star Game). But damn.

First Mullin appealed for decorum, to no avail, despite it being his night. Then Rick Barry gave it a shot, imploring the crowd to "show some class."

"This is crazy. Seriously. Come on, you're doing yourself a disservice. All of the wonderful accolades being sent to you, for you to treat this man who is spending his money to do the best that he can to turn this franchise around—and I know he's going to do it. So give him the respect he deserves."

As a fan, don't let anybody tell you when it is or isn't acceptable to boo. But have a little perspective. Even just in California, there's an owner that badmouths his own players, and ones that have threatened to move the team. (Golden State has talked about the need for a new arena, and considered a site just across the Bay. Not exactly the same as courting Seattle.) Lacob took over just two years ago, and the Warriors aren't winning anytime soon with or without Monta Ellis.

After the game Lacob was candid about his disappointment, saying he felt the worst for Mullin. Yes, his night was overshadowed, but Chris Mullin will be fine. Joe Lacob will be too. But Golden State fans have got themselves a reputation, and it's not always a good one.