The NBA has suspended Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green 5 games for his role in the fracas against the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night. The ban will be without pay, meaning Green will forfeit $769,970 in salary.
The league announced in a statement that Green would be suspended “for escalating an on-court altercation and forcibly grabbing Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert around the neck in an unsportsmanlike and dangerous manner.”
The 33 year old was one of three players that were ejected following the on court melee earlier this week. Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels were also ejected, but avoided suspension. Thompson, McDaniels and Wolves Centre Rudy Gobert were however all fined $25,000.
NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars said that Green’s past history of technicals, and suspensions played a role in his punishment from the league. As a result, the former Michigan State alum will miss contests against the Thunder (x2), Suns, Spurs, and Rockets.
The ban marks the 5th time Green has been suspended throughout his career. Interestingly enough, the on court incident took place less than 100 seconds into the Warriors vs. Timberwolves play-in tournament game, prior to either team recording a point.
The Warriors are currently riding a 4 game losing streak, and sit at 6-6 on the season. More concerning still is their dismal 1-4 record at home following years of being one of the most dominant home court teams in the NBA. Green is eligible to return on November 28th against the Sacramento Kings.
Photo: Ash Carter. This image is a work of a U.S. military or Department of Defense employee, taken or made as part of that person’s official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain in the United States.