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NBA: Warriors fine Green for punching teammate, but won't suspend him
CGTN

Draymond Green was fined but not suspended by the Warriors for punching teammate Jordan Poole in practice, Golden State coach Steve Kerr said on Tuesday.

Speaking after the Warriors' 131-98 preseason win against Portland late Tuesday, Kerr confirmed that Green had received an undisclosed fine following last week's altercation with Poole. 

Dramatic video footage of the incident showed Green punching Poole in the face after tempers flared during a practice. The incident occurred on October 5 and Green apologized to Poole and the rest of the team the following day. Video of the skirmish was leaked and shown publicly on Friday, prompting Green to issue a public apology on Saturday and announce that he was stepping away from the team. 

But Kerr added that the four-time NBA champion would return to practice on Thursday and play in a preseason game against Denver on Friday.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr attends a press conference during the NBA Japan Games against the Washington Wizards in Saitama, Japan, October 2, 2022. /CFP
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr attends a press conference during the NBA Japan Games against the Washington Wizards in Saitama, Japan, October 2, 2022. /CFP

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr attends a press conference during the NBA Japan Games against the Washington Wizards in Saitama, Japan, October 2, 2022. /CFP

The veteran forward is also expected to be in action in the season opener at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 18. 

"This is the biggest crisis that we've had since I've been the coach here," Kerr, who has been in charge of the team since 2014, said. 

"It's really serious stuff. We're not perfect ... but we're going to lean on the experience that we have together over the last nine years and trust that this is the best decision for our team (not to suspend Green)."

Jordan Poole (L) and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors celebrate during the game against the Charlotte Hornets in San Francisco, U.S., November 3, 2021. /CFP
Jordan Poole (L) and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors celebrate during the game against the Charlotte Hornets in San Francisco, U.S., November 3, 2021. /CFP

Jordan Poole (L) and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors celebrate during the game against the Charlotte Hornets in San Francisco, U.S., November 3, 2021. /CFP

Kerr added that he discussed the situation extensively with Green, Poole, Myers, Stephen Curry and "all of our players" before determining Green's sanction.

The coach did not disclose the amount of the fine imposed on Green, and called on fans to back the team's decision.

"We would hope we've developed enough equity that people can trust us when we say we've put a lot of thought into this decision."

The Warriors won their fourth NBA championship in eight years last season, beating the Boston Celtics in the Finals. 

Green, 32; Curry, 34; and Klay Thompson, 32, were key members of all four title teams. Poole, 23, won his first ring last season in his third NBA campaign. 

(With input from agencies)

(Cover image: Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green makes an apology at an NBA news conference after he punched teammate Jordan Poole during practice in San Francisco, U.S., October 8, 2022. /CFP) 

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