Warriors’ Draymond Green Suspended Five Games For Rudy Gobert Altercation

Warriors forward Draymond Green has been suspended for five games by the NBA after getting into an altercation with Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert on Tuesday. Green put Gobert in a headlock during the heated multi-player exchange, provoking the NBA to act.

NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars reportedly said that Green’s status as a “repeat offender” resulted in a lengthier suspension. Gobert has been extremely vocal, repeatedly calling Green a “clown” to reporters.

The Timberwolves star claimed after the game that he was expecting Green to misbehave after he learned that Steph Curry would not play.

“It’s kind of funny because before the game, I was telling myself that Steph is not playing, so I know Draymond is going to try and get ejected,” Gobert said. “Because every time Steph doesn’t play, he doesn’t want to play — it’s his guy Steph. He’ll do anything he can to get ejected.”

Warriors coach Steve Kerr defended Green after the game, as well as Warriors guard Klay Thompson, who was also ejected after the scuffle. Thompson will not be suspended. Gobert responded to Kerr’s defense with a familiar sentiment.

“He’s backing his guy, but I think he knows,” Gobert told The Athletic. “Deep inside, he (doesn’t) want to say it but his guy is a clown.”

Green is well known for his behavior on the court, which often frustrates the Warriors’ opponents and occasionally leads to physical incidents. This suspension is the fifth of his career but the first to extend beyond a single game. It will cost him more than $700,000 in compensation. Only one suspension has ever come for an action that took place during play.

For his part in the incident, Gobert will have to pay a $25,000 fine. Thompson and the Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels will have to pay the same. Gobert is expected to appeal.

“Every situation is different, but to me, that was more than just a reaction. That was a personal attack,” Gobert said. “Me being fined when I was being a peacemaker, and I chose to keep my hands up while I was being assaulted, it’s shameful. Shameful. And I’m going to appeal that fine.”