PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 12: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after being ejected for a flagrant foul during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on December 12, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 119-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The NBA announced an indefinite suspension for Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green on Wednesday (December 13) after a severe incident involving Portland Trail Blazers star Jusuf Nurkic.
The on-court altercation occurred during a highly charged game between the Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night (December 12).
In the heat of the moment, Green was seen striking Nurkic while trying to get open during an inbound play during the third quarter. The hit to his opponent’s face was forceful enough to throw Nurkic to the ground, and after NBA officials reviewed the footage, they deemed it a flagrant two-foul.
Green issued a public apology at the press conference soon after the NBA ejected him as he explained that he did not intentionally hit Nurkic.
“I am not one to apologize for things I mean to do, but I do apologize to Jusuf because I didn’t intend to hit him,” he said. “I was just selling the call because he was grabbing me and pulling my hip, so I spun away and, unfortunately, I hit him.”
The NBA’s disciplinary committee continued to review the incident after the game, which resulted in the decision to put Green on an indefinite suspension.
The NBA has since released a statement, mentioning that it had considered “Green’s repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts” and that his suspension was effective immediately.
ESPN reports that the NBA didn’t mention a set number of games in the ban. Instead, they are committing to give Green the necessary time he needs before initiating conversations about his return.
Green is expected to meet General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. this week to discuss plans to attend counseling sessions. He must satisfy certain league conditions before getting permission to play on the court again.
This is a considerable setback for the Warriors, with fans wondering whether his abrupt suspension could disrupt the team’s defensive strategies. According to ESPN, Warriors coach Steve Kerr stressed how important Green is to the team in a post-game interview. Kerr reportedly said, “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. Draymond is still a really good player. We need him if we are going to be a really good team.”
Green renewed his contract with the Warriors in July, signing a four-year $100 million extension.
Users on X, formerly known as Twitter, have shared their reactions to Green’s indefinite suspension. Check them out below.
