Golden State forward Draymond Green had a tense moment with a fan during the Warriors’ road win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.
The fan, 35-year-old Sam Green from New Orleans, wore a black Pelicans polo and cheered after Draymond was called for a shooting foul while guarding Pelicans forward Herb Jones. As players prepared for the free throws, Green approached the fan and stood just inches away, speaking directly to him. The fan held his arms out as the confrontation unfolded.
Game officials quickly intervened, separating the star forward from the fan. Ushers surrounded the area, speaking with the spectator, who remained visibly amused.
Sam Green said he was chanting “Angel Reese” at Draymond, referencing the WNBA star known for her rebounding ability. The fan claimed the taunt was meant to mock Draymond’s lack of shot attempts despite securing rebounds.
“He swore at me and threatened to punch me if I continued the taunts,” Sam Green said. “I wasn’t using profanity, and for him to walk 12 feet off the court to come at me was unnerving.” The fan received a warning from ushers but remained in his front-row seat.
Draymond Green is no stranger to confrontations with fans. Known for his fiery temperament, he has previously drawn technical fouls, fines, and ejections for similar incidents. In 2022, the NBA fined Green $25,000 for “directing obscene language toward a fan.”
The Warriors forward has openly criticized fan behavior in the past. He argues that taunting players often carries few consequences, while players themselves can face fines or penalties for responding. This dynamic has sometimes fueled tensions between players and spectators during NBA games.
Sunday’s incident highlights the ongoing challenges of managing interactions between athletes and fans. While moments of on-court intensity are expected in professional sports, confrontations like this can quickly escalate, prompting league intervention and fines.
Green’s reputation as one of the NBA’s most passionate and vocal players was on full display. Despite the altercation, the Warriors maintained focus and secured their victory against the Pelicans, with Green contributing key plays on both ends of the court.
As the season progresses, fan-player interactions will remain a point of discussion. The NBA continues to balance creating an energetic atmosphere for spectators with ensuring the safety and well-being of its athletes.
