Draymond Green Faces Over Three-Week Suspension - Report Unfolds
According to unnamed league sources reported by The Athletic's Laut Shams Charania, Green began consulting and is likely to serve over three weeks in suspension. CNN reached out to the NBA and Golden State Warriors for comment.
An NBA announcement on December 13, 2022, declared Green's indefinite suspension due to a repetitive history of unsportsmanlike behavior. The suspension came following Green's hit on Nurkic with his right arm to the face during the Warriors' 119-116 loss against the Suns on December 12.
Despite Green's claim that the incident was an accident, this marked his third suspension in the current season and his second suspension in 2022. Stef Kerr, the Golden State Warriors' head coach, stated the suspension was justified.
"The suspension is warranted," Kerr said. "This is more than just basketball, Kerr added. This will help Draymond. 'I think this is an opportunity for Draymond toleave and change his lifestyle and life,' Kerr said. 'It won't be easy."
Insights:
Draymond Green has a history of controversial incidents and suspensions in the NBA, but there are inconsistencies in how details and durations of those suspensions are reported across sources.
- Suspension for Punching Jordan Poole: Contrary to common belief, Green was not suspended for punching Jordan Poole during a preseason practice in 2022. He was fined by the Warriors and chose to leave the team temporarily, but he did not face suspension or league discipline. [Sources 2, 5]
- Suspension for Chokehold Incident: Green received a five-game suspension for a chokehold on Minnesota Timberwolves center, Rudy Gobert, during an on-court scuffle. [Sources 2, 5]
- Suspension for Hitting Jusuf Nurkic: Green ended up with an indefinite suspension for striking Phoenix Suns center, Jusuf Nurkic, in the face. This led to a 12-game absence, during which he underwent counseling and mandatory Zoom sessions with the NBA and team officials to return to play. [Sources 2]
