Draymond Green apologises for punching Jordan Poole, to take a break from Golden State Warriors

Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors basketball player, has announced that he is set to take a break from the team after the video surfaced of him punching teammate Jordan Poole. He has also publicly apologised for his action.

In a press meet, the 32-year-old power forward admitted his guilt, saying, “No. 1, I was wrong for my actions”. He further added that along with this, comes “a huge embarrassment”. He also voiced his concern about the embarrassment the video has caused the Warriors, Poole, and the latter’s family: Not only for myself, as I was the one who committed the action … but the embarrassment that Jordan has to deal with and that this team has to deal with, this organization has to deal with. But also Jordan’s family. His family saw that video. His mother, his father saw that video. If my mother saw that video, I know how my mother would feel.”

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Green refused to divulge any detail regarding what led to the falling out between him and Poole, saying, “things that happened in practice should stay in practice.”

Reports suggest that Green had apologized for his actions to the team and Poole on Thursday, and it was earlier confirmed by the team’s general manager Bob Myers that Green would not be missing any match as a result of this incident.

However, a leaked video of the scuffle did manage to make it to the internet, forcing the Michigan native to change his course of action. ESPN reported that the Warriors are considering “every possible legal action” to find out the source behind the leaked video.

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Amid this controversy, both players’ contract situations are also hanging in the balance. Being a rookie, Poole is eligible for an extension. October 17 is the deadline day, and both parties need to come to terms if the 23-year-old shooting guard is to continue plying his trade for the Warriors.

Green, who has himself stated that there is not a considerable chance of him and the Warriors reaching an agreement about his contract this year, can end up becoming a restricted free agent by 2024.