Steve Kerr hits back at the referees for "weak" Draymond Green ejection
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is no stranger to defending his players, but his latest critique of NBA officiating highlights a growing frustration with what he perceives as a dangerous double standard in how the league polices physical play versus verbal conduct. Following a gritty 119-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, Kerr directed his ire squarely at the officiating crew that ejected Draymond Green early in the second quarter, labeling the decision as "weak" and questioning the consistency of the league's disciplinary measures.
Green’s night ended prematurely after a sequence involving Suns guard Collin Gillespie. After a defensive stop, Green shoved Gillespie, earning his first technical foul. Moments later, as he walked toward the bench while continuing to voice his displeasure, referee Pat Fraher assessed a second technical, resulting in an automatic ejection. Kerr was visibly furious on the sideline, earning a technical of his own, but his most biting remarks came during the postgame press conference.
Kerr’s frustration stemmed less from Green’s specific actions and more from the context of the Warriors' previous matchup with Phoenix just two nights prior. The Warriors coach drew a sharp contrast between Green’s verbal disqualification and a physical play by Suns forward Dillon Brooks on Stephen Curry in Thursday’s game. Kerr alleged that Brooks delivered a "premeditated" punch to Curry’s stomach, a play that was reviewed but resulted only in a Flagrant 1 rather than an ejection.
"We just saw a guy on their team literally punch Steph in the stomach," Kerr argued, emphasizing the disparity. "No ejection for that. And then two nights later, refs got upset with some words from Draymond? I totally disagree."
The tension is compounded by history; Kerr explicitly referenced the 2022 playoffs where a foul by Brooks fractured Gary Payton II’s elbow, suggesting a "track record" of dangerous plays that the league is overlooking. Kerr expressed bewilderment at the purpose of the replay center if it fails to identify such acts, calling it "bizarre" that Brooks faced no suspension or fine. While the Warriors managed to rally without their defensive anchor to snap a three-game skid, Kerr’s comments have placed a spotlight on the officiating consistency regarding player safety versus conduct violations.
Green’s night ended prematurely after a sequence involving Suns guard Collin Gillespie. After a defensive stop, Green shoved Gillespie, earning his first technical foul. Moments later, as he walked toward the bench while continuing to voice his displeasure, referee Pat Fraher assessed a second technical, resulting in an automatic ejection. Kerr was visibly furious on the sideline, earning a technical of his own, but his most biting remarks came during the postgame press conference.
Kerr’s frustration stemmed less from Green’s specific actions and more from the context of the Warriors' previous matchup with Phoenix just two nights prior. The Warriors coach drew a sharp contrast between Green’s verbal disqualification and a physical play by Suns forward Dillon Brooks on Stephen Curry in Thursday’s game. Kerr alleged that Brooks delivered a "premeditated" punch to Curry’s stomach, a play that was reviewed but resulted only in a Flagrant 1 rather than an ejection.
"We just saw a guy on their team literally punch Steph in the stomach," Kerr argued, emphasizing the disparity. "No ejection for that. And then two nights later, refs got upset with some words from Draymond? I totally disagree."
The tension is compounded by history; Kerr explicitly referenced the 2022 playoffs where a foul by Brooks fractured Gary Payton II’s elbow, suggesting a "track record" of dangerous plays that the league is overlooking. Kerr expressed bewilderment at the purpose of the replay center if it fails to identify such acts, calling it "bizarre" that Brooks faced no suspension or fine. While the Warriors managed to rally without their defensive anchor to snap a three-game skid, Kerr’s comments have placed a spotlight on the officiating consistency regarding player safety versus conduct violations.
