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Friday night’s game between the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards was not without its share of high emotions. Near the end of the first half, a very bizarre fight broke out.
Bradley Beal seemingly gave Draymond Green a half-punch en route to securing a headlock. Despite Green’s best attempts at not getting involved, Beal managed to pull Dray to the ground, resembling someone at their first day of wrestling practice.
Kelly Oubre Jr. continued the theme, resembling someone at their first day of boxing practice, by attempting to throw a few punches. Instead, they hit his teammate John Wall, and grazed Klay Thompson’s face.
Today, the league handed down their suspensions and they’re . . . a bit odd.
Bradley Beal fined $50,000, Draymond Green fined $25,000, Kelly Oubre Jr fined $15,000. Markieff Morris, Carrick Felix suspended one game.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 29, 2017
Beal and Oubre Jr. avoiding suspensions is not at all what I was expecting. Both men acted violently, with the former legitimately trying to start a fight, and the latter trying to land punches.
For Warriors’ fans, the Green fine likely seems a bit excessive. Green really didn’t have any part in the tussle, other than being Beal’s target. The in-game ejection wasn’t egregious, as Green already had a technical, and the refs had to keep the game in hand.
But after watching and reviewing the tape, what did the refs see that warranted Green getting fined? And, furthermore, what should he have done to avoid the fine and the ejection? That’s the explanation I would like to hear.
As for the suspensions that were handed out, Markieff Morris and Carrick Felix were given the standard one-game ejection for leaving the bench area.
It’s a bit weird, though, that that automatic suspension is put in place to avoid fight from escalating, yet those who actually played a role in creating a fight managed to avoid missing time. I don’t get it.
But, if the league was going to dole out questionable punishments, it’s better that they were conservative with Beal and Oubre Jr.’s, than liberal with Green’s.
Update: Steve Kerr is none too pleased with the league’s decision:
Steve Kerr on Draymond Green: "I don't know how you get fined $25K for getting attacked"
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 29, 2017