Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has narrowly avoided an NBA fine following a tense exchange with a New Orleans Pelicans fan who repeatedly referred to him as “Angel Reese.” Instead of a monetary penalty, the league opted for a simple warning, according to ESPN, highlighting the incident as a cautionary moment rather than a full-blown disciplinary case.
The four-time NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) discussed the altercation on his latest podcast, offering his side of the story. Green explained that he initially found the fan’s joke amusing after a series of offensive rebounds that didn’t result in points. “At first, I thought it was funny,” Green admitted. “It came right after a few missed offensive boards, and I just laughed it off.”
However, as the game progressed, the repeated “Angel Reese” references began to feel different. Green said the fan’s comments shifted from playful jabs about his on-court performance to questioning his masculinity. “He kept layering it, and the message was no longer about basketball—it became personal,” Green said. “I told him, ‘I get what you’re saying, but that’s enough. You’re not going to keep calling me a woman’s name. I’m Draymond Green. Stop adding layers that make your message increasingly disrespectful.’”
The tension caught the attention of lead referee Courtney Kirkland, who stepped in to calm both Green and the fan. While the fan was not ejected from the game, the verbal jabs ceased following the intervention, and the game continued without further incident.
The NBA’s decision to issue only a warning reflects the league’s nuanced approach to player-fan interactions. While Green’s response was firm, the league apparently determined that no further disciplinary action was necessary, emphasizing communication and respect rather than punitive measures.
This episode also underscores Green’s ongoing reputation as a fiery and outspoken figure in the NBA. Known for his intensity on the court, Green’s willingness to address perceived disrespect head-on continues to generate headlines and social media buzz, proving that even brief fan interactions can quickly escalate into high-profile stories.
As the Warriors continue their 2025 campaign, all eyes will be on Green to see if his confrontational streak carries over into future games—or if this “Angel Reese” incident will remain a rare cautionary tale. One thing is certain: Draymond Green never shies away from defending his name and his dignity, and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely whenever he steps onto the court.
Leave a Reply