E-40, Kings say rapper’s Game 1 ejection was ‘unfortunate misunderstanding’

The Sacramento Kings and E-40 said the Bay Area rapper’s ejection from a playoff game over the weekend was the result of an “unfortunate misunderstanding.”

E-40, an avid Warriors fan, was removed from his seat near the Warriors bench in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s loss to the Kings. A day later, the rapper, whose real name is Early Tywone Stevens Sr., alleged that his ejection was racially motivated, prompting the Kings to open an investigation into the incident.

On Wednesday, the two released a joint statement that explained the incident was a mix-up between both parties.

“After a series of thoughtful and transparent conversations, both parties agree that there was a miscommunication regarding the circumstances that occurred during the Kings vs. Warriors game on Saturday night,” the statement read. “Contrary to speculation, Mr. Earl ‘E-40’ Stevens did not stand excessively from his ticketed courtside seat; the outcome resulted from an unfortunate misunderstanding between both parties.”