In a shocking turn of events, the NBA has announced a five-game suspension without pay for Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. The penalty stems from Green’s involvement in an on-court altercation with Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, where he forcefully grabbed Gobert around the neck in a dangerous and unsportsmanlike manner.
The league made the announcement on Wednesday through a statement from Joe Dumars, the executive vice president of basketball operations, citing Green’s history of unsportsmanlike acts as a contributing factor to the penalty.
The NBA is suspending Golden State’s Draymond Green for five games, source tells ESPN. Significant hit for the Warriors. pic.twitter.com/QlexGdXNUd
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 16, 2023
Draymond Green Faces 5-Game Suspension Over Rudy Gobert Chokehold
The NBA also imposed fines of $25,000 each on Gobert, Klay Thompson, and Jaden McDaniels for their roles in the melee that unfolded during the Warriors-Timberwolves game on Tuesday. The incident occurred early in the game, with less than two minutes off the clock and a 0-0 score. McDaniels and Thompson became entangled while vying for rebounding position, leading to a physical struggle as they crossed halfcourt. Both players had a grip on each other’s jerseys, attempting to overpower the other but failing to do so.
Here's Rudy Gobert's reaction to Draymond Green's 5-game suspension and his subsequent $25,000 fine. He called the fact that he was fined "shameful" and he will appeal it. pic.twitter.com/KUQWt1OCXY
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) November 16, 2023
As tensions escalated, Rudy Gobert intervened, attempting to separate Thompson from McDaniels. It was at this moment that Draymond Green entered the scene and placed Gobert in a chokehold from behind. Green proceeded to drag Gobert by his neck across the court, finally releasing him near the Golden State free-throw line. Despite Karl-Anthony Towns’ efforts to intervene, Green’s grip on Gobert remained until he eventually let go.
The NBA deemed Green’s actions as a flagrant 2 foul, resulting in his ejection from the game. This suspension marks the fifth of Green’s career, with Dumars referencing his history of unsportsmanlike acts, including 163 technical fouls, 17 ejections, and three prior suspensions.
The games Green will miss include matchups against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns, and the San Antonio Spurs. He will be eligible to return to the court on November 28 against the Sacramento Kings.
Rudy Gobert expressed his disbelief at being fined, as he considered himself a peacemaker in the situation. Gobert plans to file an appeal with the league, stating, “That was a personal attack. Me being fined when I chose to, when I was being a peacemaker and I chose to keep my hands up while I was being assaulted is shameful.”
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Green’s suspension sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, regardless of a player’s history or reputation. As fans and players alike await Green’s return to the court, it is crucial to reflect on the importance of maintaining composure and respect for the game.
