Draymond Green Apologizes to Stephen Curry for Suspension-Related Criticism
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green publicly apologized to teammate Stephen Curry for the impact his suspension had on Curry’s reputation. Speaking on the Draymond Green Show, Green addressed comments made by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith questioning Curry’s leadership in the wake of Green’s suspension.
Green expressed remorse for the negative attention Curry received due to his own actions, acknowledging that Curry had nothing to do with the incidents that led to Green’s suspension. The NBA suspended Green indefinitely last month for on-court incidents, including an altercation with Rudy Gobert and hitting Jusuf Nurkić in the face.
Smith had criticized Curry’s leadership on ESPN’s First Take, questioning where Curry’s impact and leadership were during Green’s suspension: “Where’s the leadership? Where’s he at? What kind of impact is he having?”
“Because Draymond did X [Curry is a bad leader]. It pissed me off, but it crushed me. How is Steph enduring being a bad leader? Like this guy doesn’t give us anything to tear him down about. This guy does everything the right way and yet he’s being torn down because of my actions? Crushed me.”
In response, Green publicly apologized to Curry for the fallout from his actions and expressed frustration that Curry, who consistently conducts himself in a positive manner, was being criticized due to Green’s behavior.
“Because he got crushed publicly for that, I’m gonna apologize publicly. I sincerely apologize to Steph for my actions.”
The Warriors, with Curry, Green, and Klay Thompson, have enjoyed significant success over the past decade, winning four championships. However, the team is currently struggling with a 17-19 record and sits at 12th in the Western Conference. Green’s return is anticipated to provide a defensive and playmaking boost to the team.
As Green returns to the lineup, the Warriors aim to improve their standing in the competitive Western Conference and silence critics who have pointed to their underwhelming start to the season.