During the first half of the NBA Western Conference Final Game 3 match-up between the Golden State Warriors and the Oklahoma City Thunder on the evening of May 22nd, 2016, Draymond Green made forceful contact with opponent Steven Adams in an unsportsmanlike manner.



For the second time in back-to-back games, Draymond Green used his knees and legs in a significant and aggressive way to make non-basketball, unnecessary plays against his defender. Steven Adams, once again, found himself on the other end of a very painful experience in which he was forcefully kicked in the groin. Not only is this beyond the scope of the sport, but it is extremely dangerous to the health and future availability of other players in the league.



What makes this incident particularly worrisome to many fans across the league is that the incident occurred after the officials whistled for a play stoppage, as well as after Draymond Green returned both feet to the floor. The additional flailing and subsequent kick is suspect in purpose, necessity, and organic origin. Review of in-game footage as well as replays plainly shows a disjointed motion and questionable actions on Green's part.

Earlier on May 22nd, 2016, the NBA set a precedent for action after a similar occurrence. Just the day before, active NBA player Dahntay Jones of the Cleveland Cavaliers contacted Bismack Biyombo in the groin with a hand late in the game against the Toronto Raptors. Similar to the Green-Adams incident, the contact was suspect and questionable at best, intentional at worst. As a result of post-game review, the NBA deemed Jones' conduct illicit and issued a 1-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct.



I am calling on NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and other head officials at the National Basketball Association to review Draymond Green's in-game conduct thoroughly and without bias. Regardless of the potential effects on the Golden State Warrior's playoff and season outlook, Draymond Green should be held responsible for his actions to the same degree as all other players.