NBA suspends Golden State Warriors Draymond Green indefinitely

NBA suspends Draymond Green indefinitely after hitting Jusuf Nurkic in the face. Green's history of unsportsmanlike acts is considered.

The NBA has announced the indefinite suspension of Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green for hitting Phoenix Suns centre Jusuf Nurkic in the face during Tuesday's game. This decision comes in the wake of Green's history of repeated unsportsmanlike acts, including a previous five-game suspension earlier in the season for an altercation with Rudy Gobert.

According to the league's statement, Green will be required to meet certain league and team conditions before he is allowed to return to play. The incident occurred during a battle for position along the sideline, with Green spinning around and hitting Nurkic hard in the side of the head with his right arm. The play was initially called a foul but was later reviewed and upgraded to a Flagrant 2, resulting in an automatic ejection for Green.

Following the game, Green issued an apology, stating that the blow was unintentional and that he was attempting to sell a call with his arms. However, Nurkic expressed that Green's actions had "nothing to do with basketball." Suns head coach Frank Vogel also voiced his displeasure with the incident, stating that he was sensitive to his players getting hit in that manner.

This is not the first time Green has faced suspension this season, as he was previously suspended for five games in November for an altercation with Gobert. Despite his suspension, Green has been a key player for the Warriors this season, averaging 10.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 14 games. This marks his 12th season with the Golden State team.