In a surprising turn of events, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has come out in defense of Draymond Green, stating that he would have done the same thing in a recent altercation. Green, a player for the Golden State Warriors, found himself in hot water after putting Rudy Gobert in a chokehold during a heated game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Key Takeaway
Shaquille O’Neal staunchly defends Draymond Green’s chokehold incident, citing the importance of loyalty and protection among teammates. However, not everyone shares the same opinion, as Warriors coach Steve Kerr deems Green’s actions excessive.
Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, Shaq voiced his support for Green during a charity event in Los Angeles. When asked about the situation, he boldly stated, “I woulda did the same thing!!”
Shaquille O’Neal Stands by Teammates
The NBA star made it clear that he stands firmly by the principle of sticking up for one’s teammates. In Shaq’s eyes, when someone threatens a teammate, it is only natural to take action and defend them. Drawing a parallel to a hypothetical scenario involving himself and an interviewer, he emphasized that he would “whoop their ass” to protect his friend.
While Shaq’s stance may come as a surprise to some, it highlights the bond and camaraderie that exists among basketball players. The unwritten code of loyalty and protection is deeply ingrained in the sport, and Shaq’s words echo the sentiment shared by many athletes.
Differing Opinions
However, not everyone agrees with Shaq’s perspective. Warriors coach Steve Kerr, for instance, expressed his disapproval of Green’s actions. Although Kerr acknowledged Green’s intention to defend his teammate, he deemed the chokehold excessive and criticized the incident as a “bad look.”
Green’s chokehold has resulted in a five-game suspension imposed by the NBA. The Warriors have struggled in his absence, currently having lost their first game without him.
