Why are all players told not to respond to fans?

If they do, they will constantly have their minds on the fans. They will not be focusing on the game. This goes for coaches, refs and others too.

I have played, coached and refereed basketball games. Fans can be vile. They say the worst things and that goes for all sports at all levels. All players can get called out, but the racist comments make it especially hard for minorities. It's like the comment section of some sites have erupted in the stands.

Is it fair or right? No! If a fan or fans are caught, they should be banned. If those I listed are constantly monitoring this they will not be giving 100% to the task at hand. Either play and do your job or quit and become a security monitor.

I believe that the venues, schools or whoever is in charge of the playing area should be forced to have more security to keep an eye on this. People who do engage in this behavior have to be dealt with. Those involved in the games can't and shouldn't do it.

Imagine that players and coaches are allowed to react. It would be a hot mess that would undermine the reason that a lot of people and those playing are there for.

I'm sure someone is going to say that the sport isn't that important. People have to stop this. As I said, you cannot play or coach effectively and be checking the fans too.

I believe that Marcus Smart is taking more heat and racism than others would. I was startled because this just doesn't happen. It is a very, very rare occurrence. I felt for Marcus Smart because he is having a tough time and that began before this game. (The rare occurrence is the player hitting the fan. Sadly, the vile comments are not.)
As Yoda would say, "Play or don't play. There is no try."