Minnesota Timberwolves Launch Probe Against Fan for Violating NBA Conduct With Racially Charged Comments on Draymond Green

The Minnesota Timberwolves launched an investigation against the fan who made racial comments towards Golden State Warriors’ veteran Draymond Green. The incident took place during the Warriors’ 117-93 loss against the Timberwolves in Game 2 of their conference semifinals series on May 8 at Target Center. In the fourth quarter of the game, two fans were involved in making “racially charged comments” towards Green when he got a technical foul and was benched. 

Green was on an exercise bike on the sidelines, and was involved in a verbal exchange with a fan. Following the incident, the Timberwolves released a statement, revealing that the fan was ejected from the arena for violating the NBA’s Fan Code of Conduct. The statement also suggested that another fan who was accused by other fans left on his own before the security could confirm his identity.

The Wolves, in their official statement, wrote, “The Timberwolves and Target Center are firmly committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for all. Racist, hateful, or threatening behavior has no place at our games or in our community and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

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Draymond Green Expresses Frustration Over “Agenda” Against Him

Apart from his on-field technicalities, the Warriors’ defensive stalwart maintains a checkered disciplinary record. During Game 2, he was assessed a technical after being fouled by Wolves’ Naz Reid. The foul prompted a furious response from him. Green was calmed down by his teammates including Stephen Curry, who missed the game with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. 

However, following the game, the 35-year-old told reporters that he is sick of being targeted by the league and the officials. He said that he has been portrayed as an “Angry black man”. In the locker room, Green told reporters, “I’m sick of the agenda to make me look like the angry Black man. I’m not an angry Black man.” 

He added, “I’m a very successful, educated Black man with a great family. And I’m great at basketball, I’m great at what I do. The agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous.”

After his comments, ESPN sportswriter Brian Windhorst said that there are complaints across the league that Green gets away easily after he commits a flagrant foul. He said, “A big complaint across the league [is] that Draymond [Green] gets away with stuff after he commits a flagrant [and a technical]… there is a belief that he gets too much leeway, this is not my words, this is what people tell me.”

Notably, Green now has five technical fouls, and he is two shy from suspensions in the playoffs. In addition, he has two flagrant fouls, and two more will also lead to him getting suspended.

The eight-time All Defensive Team member dropped nine points, grabbed four rebounds and dished out five assists in Thursday’s loss to the Wolves. Following the defeat, the Western Conference Semifinals series between the Timberwolves and the Warriors is tied 1-1. In Game 3, they will lock horns on Saturday, May 10 at the Chase Center.

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