The Warriors spoke publicly for the first time on Thursday, regarding Wednesday’s physical altercation between Jordan Poole and Draymond Green. General manager Bob Myers acknowledged reports that Green punched Poole during a practice fight, and that Green apologized to Poole and the team on Thursday.
He also said that Green left the facility after apologizing, presumably because he has been suspended, although Myers would not confirm that.
“These things happen. Nobody likes it, we don’t condone it, but it happens,” Myers said. “Draymond apologized to the team. Jordan was there in the room. … As far as any suspension, punishment, fine, we will handle that internally.”
Myers expressed disappointment in Green’s actions, but also believed that the situation would not fester.
“It’s unfortunate, I’m not going to deny it,” Myers said. “It’ll take some time to move through, but we’ll move through it and move forward. And I’m confident that we will. … This isn’t our first thing that’s happened, first sense of adversity. We’ve been through some of this before. Don’t like going through it but it’s part of the NBA and it’s part of sports.”
Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry also spoke, both making it clear that reports of Poole’s immature behavior (related to his upcoming contract extension) were false.
“There was a report that Jordan had an attitude in camp, and that could not be further from the truth,” Kerr said. “He’s been fantastic.”
Curry added: “[Poole] has been great, and there was nothing that warranted the situation yesterday. I want to make that clear.”
Myers said that Green is not expected to be suspended for any games. The Warriors play their next preseason game at home on Sunday vs. the Lakers. Kerr said he expected Green to return to the facility on Saturday.