In a recent segment on his podcast, Warriors veteran Draymond Green had some interesting things to say about his legendary falling out with Jordan Poole. While he apologized for the second time this week, he expressed a desire to move on from the endeavor that broke his team apart.
“It's been three years, let's move on. That statement was kinda looking for some sympathy. They keep wanting to make me out to be the bad guy, move on, bro. It is what it is. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have punched him. But it happened, let's move on.
I even apologized to his parents. His dad popped off on the internet one time and I went back at him because it was just like bro why are you popping off? And I didn't like myself for it because I kind of let him get me off my square a little bit. I've said what I said about it. I know I was wrong, but you can't call a man the b-word and push him and not get hit either."
Out of all Draymond's outbursts, his infamous spat against Jordan Poole arguably ranks as his most destructive. Poole called him names during practice and it set Green off in a violent manner. He lost his cool and punched Poole in the face, causing a domino effect that created a toxic locker room environment. By the end of it, Jordan was exiled from the team, and the Warriors were forced to reset just one year after winning the championship.
For his part, Draymond has already tried to atone for his sins. In the immediate aftermath of the punch, he took a hiatus from the team and had to pay over $1 million in fines. Of course, he also issued several statements and long-form apologies for his reckless behavior.
To this day, the damage that Green's punch did to the Warriors can still be felt. It ruined the momentum of the team and caused a general mistrust in the 4x champion that still lingers to this day.
Recently, the whole situation came up again after a statement from Poole following a clash with the Warriors. Poole admitted to feeling appreciative of his time there, and Draymond responded by claiming he was sorry for how it all went down.
But now, the NBA veteran is ready to move on and let go of the past. For Green, the path to prosperity with the Warriors is focusing on the future instead of hanging on to past mistakes. At 11th in the West, they are on the outside looking in on the playoff bracket but there is still a lot of time left this season.
Through 34 games this season, Green is averaging 8.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game on 41.5% shooting. Draymond is currently out of the lineup as he recovers from injury but he's set to return later this season to help the Warriors make a playoff push.
The next game for the Warriors is tonight, against the Sacramento Kings, on January 22nd, at 10:00 PM EST at the Golden 1 Center. Tomorrow, January 23rd, at the Chase Center, the Warriors play the Chicago Bulls at 10;00 PM EST. On Saturday, January 25th, the Warriors play the Los Angeles Lakers at home at 8:30 PM EST.
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