James’ courtside crash raises concerns for NBA fan safety

For years, NBA fans have been willing to pay thousands to sit courtside and watch some of the world’s most powerful athletes run and jump.

Chasing after a loose ball, Cavaliers superstar LeBron James crashed into the wife of PGA golf champion Jason Day, sending her tumbling violently backward from her seat in an incident that could push the league to consider changes to protect its fans.

Ellie Day, who gave birth to her second child last month, was hospitalized from the impact of the scary encounter with the 6-foot-8, 250-pound James, perhaps the game’s most physically imposing player.

With a full slate of Christmas Day games just a week away, it may be time for the NBA to consider implementing changes to make the game experience safe for fans so close to the floor.

In 2002, a young fan died two days after being hit by a deflected puck at a Columbus Blue Jackets game.

If I was a fan, which I am a fan of the game, but, I would love to sit courtside and watch games.”