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Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is no stranger to the spotlight. For better or worse, Green is often the center of attention not only in the Bay Area, but in the entire NBA.
This week, however, Green probably wishes he could sneak out of the spotlight for a while. That’s because the four-time NBA All-Star made headlines for all the wrong reasons when he knocked out teammate Jordan Poole during a practice fight.
The Warriors initially described the fight as a practice dust-up, but a leaked video from TMZ showed that it was much worse than first believed.
Green spoke with media members on Saturday for the first time since the incident occurred.
Draymond Green Owns Up To Fight, Offers Apology To Teammate Jordan Poole
Green answered a number of questions from the media on Saturday, stating that he wanted to be held accountable rather than discussing the fight on his podcast.
Draymond Green is speaking with reporters now. He says he did not address this on his podcast because he didn't want to "hide" anything, and he wanted to be able to answer reporters questions.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) October 8, 2022
Green also said he apologized to both Poole and his family.
Green says he has apologized to Jordan Poole and Poole's family.
"There's a huge embarrassment that comes from (the video) not only for myself … but the embarrassment that Jordan has to deal with … and also Jordan's family."
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) October 8, 2022
There’s a huge embarrassment that comes from (the video) not only for myself … but the embarrassment that Jordan has to deal with … and also Jordan’s family.”
Green took full responsibility for the fight despite Poole shoving him prior to the punch.
Draymond Green: “I failed as a leader. I failed as man.”
— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) October 8, 2022
But he noted that the incident won’t Golden State’s chances of defending its NBA championship.
Draymond said this won’t affect the winning.
“We’ve been through some shit to win at the level we’ve won. Some of it public but a lot of it private … Winners win. Winners find a way.”
— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) October 8, 2022
Ultimately, Green knows that nothing he says matters unless it results in a change of actions.
Draymond: “You apologize with words. But your actions show your apology. I’ve apologized with my words. Now my actions have to show my apology.”
— Marcus Thompson II (@ThompsonScribe) October 8, 2022
While we’ve now heard from Green, we’ve yet to hear anything from Poole. The Michigan product was a breakout star last season in Golden State and is in line for a big contract extension. That extension is said to be part of the tension between the two Warriors’ players.
Green recently demanded a max contract from the organization. But it doesn’t appear that deal is coming anytime soon for the 32-year-old, especially not now.