Draymond Green is leaving the Warriors temporarily, but what did he say about his fight with Jordan Poole?
As both the Warriors and their veteran attempt to pick up the pieces, it’s clear there is still a lot of healing to be done before things will be better.
With the increasing scrutiny on both the player and the team, the Warriors veteran has stepped away from the game temporarily, after his now infamous altercation with his teammate.
Draymond Green to leave the Warriors temporarily
According to his comments on Saturday, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green not only publicly apologized for punching teammate Jordan Poole in the face on Wednesday, but indicated that he would be taking a leave of absence from the team as well. Speaking during a team press conference on Saturday afternoon, Green, who was also absent from team practice on Thursday and Friday, expressed clear remorse before saying that he had “failed as a leader.” “I was wrong for my actions that took place on Wednesday,” Green said. “For that, I have apologized to my team. I have apologized to Jordan.”
At present, it remains unclear as to whether Green’s decision to step away from the team was his alone or an action taken by the team. Fans will remember that Warriors GM Bob Myers had previously indicated that any punishment would be handled internally. What is also uncertain is how long Green will be away from the team. What is certain, is that the relationship between the two playes remains fractured. When asked how things were with Poole at the moment, Green admitted that it was still very difficult to face Jordan after what occured between them. “That is on me to do the work to rebuild but on his time,” Green said. “If he ever wants to do that. That is a personal choice for Jordan and I have to accept whatever comes with that. ...If I’m being honest, it’s hard for me to walk up to Jordan right now,” Green said.
What has Draymond Green said about the ‘why’ behind his actions?
If you missed it, here’s a quick review of the chronology of events: Late on Wednesday night, it was first reported that Green had punched Poole in the face during the Warriors daily practice session earlier in the day. Reports on Thursday would indicate that the Warriors themselves had confirmed that the altercation took place. Then things got wild. On Friday, a video was leaked and subsequently posted by TMZ, in which Green could be clearly seen lunging at and punching Poole after a verbal exchange and a push from Poole himself. Needless to say, it was not a good look.
Asked directly why he punched his teammate in the face and Green alluded to being in a bad mental state. “I was dealing with some things in my personal life that - if you are dealing with something when you step on the court it just doesn’t go away,” Green said. “As a leader of this team, I needed to have a better feel for myself and understand like where my wits end was, and what could possibly push me the wrong way. Quite frankly I didn’t handle that well, and I failed as a leader. And in turn, I failed as a man. For me personally, I have to take what comes with that, I have to deal with that, and continue to better myself.”
What happens with Draymond Green and the Warriors now?
So, Draymond Green will take a ‘time-out’ and the Warriors will assess the situation, but the question is obviously about whether or not he will be in the team when the Warriors play their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 18th. To hear Green himself tell it, he assumes he’ll be there, but admits he isn’t sure that will actually be the case. “I expect to play. But will I play? That is a completely different story and something we will figure out,” Green said.