NBA suspends Draymond Green 5 games for putting Rudy Gobert in a chokehold

The NBA has announced the suspension of Draymond Green, forward for the Golden State Warriors, for five games as a result of his involvement in the altercation with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. This penalty was made public on Wednesday.

Green will be absent for two games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and subsequent games against the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, and San Antonio Spurs. His eligibility to return will be on November 28 when the Warriors play against the Sacramento Kings.

In addition to Green’s suspension, Klay Thompson, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels have each been fined $25,000 for their roles in the altercation.

The incident occurred shortly after the game began, with less than two minutes on the clock and a 0-0 score. During a transition, Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels and Warriors’ Klay Thompson became entangled as Golden State tried to advance the ball.

Thompson grabbed McDaniels’ jersey as they contended for rebounding position. Both failed to secure the rebound and grappled as they crossed halfcourt, each holding onto the other’s jersey and attempting to bring the other down to the ground.

As tensions rose, Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert intervened to pull Thompson away from McDaniels. Draymond Green then grabbed Gobert from behind and put him in a chokehold.

Green proceeded to drag Gobert by his neck from halfcourt towards the Golden State free-throw line before releasing him near the court. Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns tried to separate Green from Gobert before Green finally let go. Thompson and McDaniels were then ejected, as was Green, who received a flagrant 2 foul for attacking Gobert.

This suspension marks Green’s fifth in his career. NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars mentioned Green’s “history of unsportsmanlike acts,” referring to last postseason when Green stomped on the chest of Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis. This history also includes 163 technical fouls, 17 ejections, and three prior suspensions.

Now, another suspension will be added to Green’s record.