Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has long been one of the NBA’s most polarizing figures. Known as much for his defensive brilliance as for his controversies, he has been involved in incidents ranging from putting Rudy Gobert in a headlock to striking Jusuf Nurkic in the face and hitting LeBron James in the groin. Each episode has earned him suspensions, but Green rarely shows regret. Instead, he often doubles down, insisting his actions are justified.
Draymond Green’s defense of Sabonis stomp continues
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One of Green’s most infamous moments came during the 2023 first-round playoff series against the Sacramento Kings. When Domantas Sabonis grabbed Green’s ankle during the fourth quarter, Green retaliated by stomping on his chest. The play earned him a flagrant foul 2 and a one-game suspension. At the time, many assumed he would eventually acknowledge his mistake. Instead, Green has continued to defend his actions.
During a recent livestream with internet personality Kai Cenat, Green was confronted with a replay of the incident. As Cenat and his friends reacted to the clip, Green insisted, “You gotta get him back, why is he holding onto my ankle?” Despite Cenat’s skepticism, Green stuck to his reasoning, adding, “You can’t grab my ankle, or I’ll step on you. He’s got my whole ankle, but they just want you to see the stomp.”
Green’s refusal to back down fits into a long-standing pattern. After punching then-teammate Jordan Poole in 2022, Green initially issued an apology but later justified it by saying, “You can’t call a man a B-word and push him and not get hit either.” When he was suspended for putting Rudy Gobert in a headlock in 2023, Green argued he was simply protecting Klay Thompson. For him, controversial acts are part of competing at the highest level, and he has openly admitted he does not live with regrets.
While some admire his intensity and willingness to stand up for himself and his teammates, critics argue that his actions often overshadow his contributions to the Warriors’ success. His role in four championships is undeniable, but so is the fact that suspensions and heated incidents have cost the Warriors at critical times.
Draymond Green’s ongoing defense of stomping on Domantas Sabonis shows that he is unlikely to change his mindset. To him, retaliation is part of the game, and backing down is not an option. As the Warriors look to contend again, Green’s competitive fire remains both a strength and a liability — one that continues to divide fans and analysts alike.
