"All they do is talk about my mama, my grandparents, my f—ng kids" - Vernon Maxwell on why he'll forever hate Utah Jazz fans

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"All they do is talk about my mama, my grandparents, my f—ng kids" - Vernon Maxwell on why he'll forever hate Utah Jazz fans originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Though more than two decades have passed since Vernon Maxwell's final NBA seasons, his feelings about playing in Utah, home of the Jazz, remain anything but subtle. From referring to the fans as "farm animals" to seizing every opportunity to criticize the state, it's evident that Mad Max harbors a deep-seated disdain for Utah.
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But where did this animosity originate? As Maxwell revealed in a recent interview on Byron Scott's podcast, it all stems from the relentless taunting he received from Jazz fans during games.
A raucous fanbase
With the Jazz being the only big-time professional team in town, it's no surprise the residents of Utah are fiercely protective of their beloved NBA franchise. This intense allegiance to the team translates into a loud and passionate fan base, who are known for making life difficult for opposing players.
There have been many occasions where jeers outweighed cheers, leading to tense confrontations between visiting players and the Jazz's home fans. In fact, things got so bad in 2019 that the Jazz's team owner, Gail Miller, stood at halfcourt to address some fans' behaviors.
But judging from Maxwell's latest tirade, he has yet to forget about how he was treated every time he played in Salt Lake City.
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"I can't stand them MFers," he emphatically said. "Them MFers harassed the s—t out of me off so bad up there, man. I mean, that was one trip — I said to the NBA, 'I could not stand to go on that damn road trip to Utah.' I'd be like, 'Oh man, we going up here with these redneck MFers. All they do is talk about my mama, my grandparents, my f—king kids — MFers talk about me."
What sets the NBA apart from other professional sports leagues in the United States is the fans' proximity to the players. In the National Football League and Major League Baseball, fans watch the action from a comfortable distance. In contrast, NBA fans sit just steps away from the court, offering a unique opportunity to interact with players in a way that fans of other sports leagues rarely experience.
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A vendetta against Utah
Maxwell isn't the only player who has spoken about their bitter experiences playing in Utah. Russell Westbrook has had heated exchanges with Jazz fans due to derogatory comments made towards him.
In addition, even former Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell has mentioned feeling drained from dealing with off-the-court issues in Utah.
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"As far as Utah, it became a lot to have to deal with on a nightly basis. I got pulled over once. I got an attitude from a cop until I gave him my ID. And that forever made me wonder what happens to the young Black kid in Utah that doesn't have that power to just be like, 'This is who I am,'" he remarked.
However, Maxwell's vendetta with Utah doesn't appear to end soon.
"I'm like, 'Man, f—k Utah.' When I got a platform, I could talk about your MFers, I was going to kill them. And that's why I'm killing you MFers every time I get on a f—king platform," he concluded.
Sports fans are passionate and some will go to great lengths to get opposing players off their games. However, there's a fine line between decency and fandom, one that must never be crossed, even in the heat of battle.
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Related: "'F—k the education! Go get your f—ng money'" - Vernon Maxwell claims he was one of the first to advise Kobe Bryant to skip college
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.