The defending champions are yet to win a game in this year’s Playoffs. After losing to the Sacramento Kings in Game 1 by three points, the Golden State Warriors lost Game 2 by an 8-point deficit, but not before they stirred a major controversy. Warriors star Draymond Green got involved in yet another violent incident during the Monday night game. Green’s actions ended up drawing mixed reactions from several sports personalities, including fellow NBA star Damian Lillard.
Interestingly, this was the second time Green landed in hot waters in a span of six months. Several months ago, the Warriors forward faced criticism when a short clip of him punching teammate Jordan Poole was posted online. A former NFL linebacker slammed Green for his continuous misdemeanors over the years.
Former Linebacker slams Draymond Green
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Draymond Green was immediately ejected from Game 2 after he stomped on Kings player Domantas Sabonis. Green received a Flagrant 2 foul in the fourth quarter, following which he was escorted out of the court. Consequently, the 4x NBA All-Star was suspended for Game 3, a decision made by the league that did not sit well with Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard.
Shortly after the update was released, Lillard took to Twitter and reshared the news with a facepalming emoji. In a follow-up tweet, he wrote, “A suspension is crazy.”?Around the same time, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho shared a short clip where he gave his opinion on Green’s suspension.
He said, “He gotta pay the stupid tax. I’m not surprised he got suspended. He has to pay the stupid tax. What is the stupid tax? If you are stupid enough to step on a guy and get caught in 4k on national television, yeah you’re gonna get suspended.”
I had to walk out of dinner to address this Draymond Green suspension.
The stupid tax will always be paid. pic.twitter.com/8hdwIOqL3k
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 19, 2023
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 Times Charles Barkley and Shaquille O?Neal Had Heated Fights On Inside the NBA
Furthermore, he added, “All he had to do was fall to the ground, clutching his ankle and Sabonis would be suspended but instead, now he is suspended when his team’s already down 2-0. When will he learn?” Many fans agreed with Acho. One fan commented, “Whether or not you think his suspension is deserved, he?s right?. U can?t keep playing the line when the margins are tight.”
Whether or not you think his suspension is deserved, he’s right….
U can’t keep playing the line when the margins are tight— Isaac the Canadian (@isaacdanielj) April 19, 2023
You know the answer, Acho. Draymond is never going to change. He may have just cost us a chance to win this series.
— John P (@beach_john14) April 19, 2023
NBA stars defend Green
Apart from Damian Lillard, former Warriors player Festus Ezeli wrote that he was shocked about the Draymond Green suspension. In a second tweet, he wrote, “Everyone talking about Draymond?s “stomp” but why would you grab another person?s foot as he was about to run.” Additionally, Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic expressed his disagreement with the league’s decision through his tweet that read, “I thought ejected was to much, but suspended ??? not right lol.” Take a look at the reactions.
I thought ejected was to much, but suspended ??? not right lol https://t.co/BIXRbToabG
— Jusuf Nurkić 🇧🇦 (@bosnianbeast27) April 19, 2023
I’m shocked but I’m also not shocked given past decisions on Draymond by the NBA https://t.co/c5PjyvX8t5
— Festus Ezeli (@FestusEzeli) April 19, 2023
Everyone talking about Draymond’s “stomp” but why would you grab another person’s foot as he was about to run
— Festus Ezeli (@FestusEzeli) April 18, 2023
Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal too commented on the incident in Green’s defense. During the post-game show, the Big Aristotle stated that he would have done the same if he was in Green’s place.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think Green’s suspension was justified? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad