BREAKING: “It’s Unacceptable at This Level” – Steve Kerr Slaps $450,000 Fine on Draymond Green for Punching Teammate and Issuing Death Threat
In a stunning and deeply troubling development, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has taken swift and unprecedented disciplinary action against longtime forward Draymond Green, handing down a $450,000 fine following a violent altercation with a teammate during practice. According to multiple sources close to the team, Green not only punched a fellow Warrior but also threatened to kill him, prompting immediate internal investigation and leadership intervention.
The incident, which took place during a closed practice at Chase Center, has sent shockwaves through the Warriors organization and the wider NBA community. While the team has yet to officially name the targeted teammate, reports suggest the altercation was not only physical but included a vicious verbal exchange that escalated far beyond the norms of competitive sportsmanship.
Speaking during a hastily arranged press conference, a visibly disappointed Steve Kerr confirmed the fine and condemned Green’s behavior in the strongest terms.
“It’s unacceptable at this level,” Kerr said. “We hold our players to the highest standards of professionalism and respect—this crossed every line imaginable.”
What Sparked the Altercation?
Details are still emerging, but sources close to the team describe an intense practice session where emotions ran high. Green, known for his fiery temperament and leadership role, reportedly became frustrated with the unnamed teammate over a defensive breakdown and a series of missed assignments during scrimmage drills. What began as a verbal confrontation quickly escalated, culminating in Green delivering a punch to the teammate’s face.
The situation worsened when, after being separated by staff and fellow players, Green allegedly shouted a death threat, yelling, “I’ll kill you. Don’t test me.”
According to insiders, security staff and assistant coaches had to intervene to physically remove Green from the court.
The Fallout and Kerr’s Leadership
Kerr’s decision to fine Green internally, rather than defer entirely to league discipline, is being viewed as a major statement of authority and accountability. While fines of this size are rare within a single organization (and typically handled by the league), Kerr reportedly pushed for the maximum allowable amount under team conduct policy.
“There are moments where you let things go. This isn’t one of them,” Kerr stated. “We’ve had issues before, but this was threatening, dangerous, and entirely unacceptable. It goes against everything we stand for.”
Kerr also confirmed that team leadership, including GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and ownership, were consulted in the decision, and that Green will be required to undergo mandatory counseling and anger management sessions as part of his return to team activities.
A Pattern of Behavior?
This is not the first time Draymond Green’s aggressive behavior has drawn scrutiny. Just a few seasons ago, Green infamously punched teammate Jordan Poole during training camp, an incident that was captured on video and leaked to the public. Although Green later apologized and served a brief team-issued suspension, questions about his emotional control and locker room conduct have lingered.
Despite that history, Green remained a core part of the Warriors’ roster and leadership group, serving as an anchor of their defense and an emotional tone-setter on and off the court. But this latest incident may have pushed even his strongest supporters to the edge.
A source inside the Warriors locker room told reporters:
“It’s different this time. People are scared. This went beyond basketball. It’s hard to come back from that.”
What This Means for the Warriors
The Warriors, already navigating a transitional period with aging stars and a shifting roster, now face another layer of internal strife that could have long-term ramifications. With Stephen Curry approaching the twilight of his prime and Klay Thompson still negotiating a possible return, the team can ill afford chemistry issues or off-court drama.
Green’s future with the organization now hangs in the balance. Though he signed a new four-year extension last offseason, some within the front office are reportedly considering trade options or further disciplinary measures, depending on how Green responds in the coming days.
Team veteran and captain Stephen Curry has not yet commented publicly, but sources say he was deeply troubled by the incident and is expected to speak with both parties privately.
NBA Monitoring the Situation
While the Warriors have issued the fine internally, the NBA is now monitoring the situation closely. League spokesperson Mike Bass confirmed in a brief statement that the incident has been flagged for further review, and that Green’s conduct could lead to additional penalties, including a potential suspension without pay or further fines if league rules were violated.
“Player safety and conduct are paramount. We take any threat of violence extremely seriously and are in communication with the team,” said Bass.
Public Backlash and Reputation at Stake
Social media reaction has been swift and largely critical, with fans and analysts expressing disbelief that a veteran like Green—long considered the heartbeat of the Warriors—could resort to such extreme behavior.
ESPN analyst and former NBA player Richard Jefferson said:
“Draymond has always walked the line, but this? This is over it. You don’t come back from threatening a teammate’s life. It’s not tough leadership—it’s unhinged.”
As the Warriors attempt to regroup ahead of the new season, all eyes will remain on the fallout from this incident. Whether Green can earn back the trust of his teammates—and whether the Warriors are willing to keep him in their locker room—will be critical questions in the coming weeks.
One thing is certain: this may be the most serious challenge yet to Draymond Green’s legacy in Golden State.
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