Draymond Green: “I don’t think that’s everyone’s business”
After Warriors player Draymond Green punched teammate Jordan Poole, he was not suspended, leaving many people to share their opinions on the matter.
Sorry to break it to you, Draymond Green, but everything you do is everyone’s business now. Or at least, they will believe it is. When you’re a famous basketball player in the NBA and you punch your teammate in practice, it’s not going to just get pushed under the rug without anyone noticing. And the consequences, or lack thereof, will be judged.
In his first practice back with the Warriors after punching Poole, Green said he’s just trying to move past it. Ultimately, the Warriors decided not to suspend Green, though he did receive a fine. Whether or not that is a fair punishment is not really relevant, as Green will play with the season opener with the team whether other people like it or not.
“At the end of the day, it’s about what we feel in this organization is best together - not what someone else thinks,” said Green.
This of course means the two must still play together and try to get along. Green insists that they are professionals and will just be doing their job. Though I would dare to say that punching a teammate is not highly professional.
“I don’t really care what other people think,” said Green. “We both know how to play basketball and that is the most important thing for us.”
This may be true, but Green’s future with the team remains to be determined. He is currently under contract until the end of the season on a $25.8 million salary and has a $27.6 million player option for next season. Poole, on the other hand, is owed an extension. It’s rumored that these contracts were a root of the issues between Green and Poole. Green said he did not expect to sign an extension with the Warriors and that he’s unsure if he will use his player option at the end of the season.
“We’re paid to do a job,” said Green. “And we’re going to come and do that job to the best of our ability. We want to continue to win, so we’re going to do what we have to do to win.”
Yes, even if that means allowing a player who physically assaulted another player to continue to play as normal. Just so long as they keep winning championships.