Warriors-Timberwolves Altercation: Draymond Green Deserves Suspension for WWE Chokehold on Rudy Gobert
Draymond Green’s volatile temperament is well-known, often excused as the byproduct of an intense competitor. However, Tuesday night showcased another instance of his penchant for making situations about himself. In a scuffle unrelated to him, Green thrust himself into the spotlight by subjecting Rudy Gobert to a WWE-style chokehold, dragging him away as if playing the hero.
The brawl ignited when Klay Thompson and Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels engaged in a heated tussle, refusing to release their grip as they tangled down the court. Gobert entered the scene without much aggression. Warriors’ broadcaster Bob Fitzgerald attempted to argue that Gobert had Thompson in a headlock, a biased attempt to justify Green’s over-the-top reaction. Head coach Steve Kerr echoed a similar sentiment after the game, conveniently following a 104-101 Warriors loss, their fifth in six games.
“Rudy had his hands on Klay’s neck, and that’s why Draymond came after Rudy,” Kerr claimed.
However, Gobert was merely stepping between Thompson and McDaniels, who genuinely appeared agitated, unlike typical NBA skirmishes. Gobert’s hands briefly touched Thompson’s neck due to their positioning, hardly constituting a chokehold. The officials agreed, labeling Gobert a “peacemaker” in the pool report.
Contrastingly, Green’s actions were more definitive. Although not the instigator this time, he swooped in, ensuring he was the one to conclude the altercation.
Green’s ongoing feud with Gobert, marked by past exchanges on social media and even Green’s podcast, suggests a personal vendetta. Tuesday night provided Green with an opportunity to act on this animosity, resulting in ejections for Green, Thompson, and McDaniels, while Gobert remained in the game.
This shouldn’t be the end of the matter; Green warrants suspension. The duration is not my call, but the NBA’s consistency in penalizing emotional expressions, even mild ones, demands a fitting response to Green’s blatant transgression. While Green believes officials target him due to his reputation, his actions have earned that scrutiny.
Although Green frequently toes the line, he has often received more leniency than other players. This time, he crossed the line, aiming to convey a message. Now, the league must reciprocate. Green should face suspension, a necessary consequence for his actions
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