In a recent announcement, the NBA has taken the unprecedented step of suspending Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green indefinitely. The suspension stems from an incident where Green struck Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face, according to Joe Dumars, the league’s executive vice president/head of basketball operations.
History of Unsportsmanlike Acts
This isn’t the first time Green has faced suspension. The league emphasized that the decision considers Green’s repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts. This marks the sixth time he has been suspended, with four of those occurring within the past nine months.
Previous Suspension and On-Court Altercation
Just six games ago, Green served a five-game suspension for forcibly grabbing Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert around the neck during an on-court altercation on Nov. 14. The league noted that Green’s actions in that incident escalated the altercation, leading to his suspension.
Latest Incident with Nurkic
The recent incident occurred during a game in which Green was ejected after throwing a wild swing that connected with Nurkic’s head. Referees reviewed the play and issued Green a Flagrant Foul 2, resulting in an automatic ejection from the game.
Green’s Statement and Apology
Explaining the situation, Green mentioned that he and Nurkic were jostling for position, with Nurkic allegedly pulling on Green’s hip. Green admitted, “I was swinging away to sell the call and made contact with him.” Despite his unapologetic playing style, Green did express regret, saying, “I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn’t intend to hit him.”
Coach Kerr’s Perspective
Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the importance of Green to the team, stating, “We need Draymond. He knows that. We’ve talked to him. He’s got to find a way to keep his poise and be out there for his teammates.”
Suns Coach Vogel’s Reaction
Suns coach Frank Vogel described the incident as a “reckless and dangerous play.” He expressed concern for his players’ safety and supported the referees’ decision, expecting the league to take appropriate action.
Immediate Impact on Warriors
Green’s suspension comes at a challenging time for the Warriors, who currently hold a 10-13 record and sit in the 11th place in the Western Conference. The team will need to navigate through this setback without one of its key players.
The league’s decision reflects its commitment to maintaining player safety and fair play, holding individuals accountable for their actions on the court.