The Minnesota Timberwolves announced in a press release on Friday that the team has launched an investigation after some of their fans violated the NBA’s Fan Code of Conduct by allegedly making “racially charged” comments towards Warriors power forward Draymond Green during the team’s second game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night at the Western Conference NBA semifinals.
In a statement posted to the Timberwolves PR account on X, the team said that one Minnesota fan was ejected during the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s game at the Target Center in Minneapolis, while another left voluntarily before security could identify him, but an investigation is ongoing to determine his identity.
“A fan was ejected by Target Center security for violating the NBA Fan Code of Conduct in an incident involving Draymond Green. A second individual who was identified by surrounding patrons as making racially charged comments towards Green left on his own before the arena security could confirm his identity. The team is continuing to investigate an additional action may be taken,” the statement said.
“The Timberwolves and Target Center are firmly committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for all. Racist, hateful or threatening behavior has no place at our games or in our community, and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the statement continued.
Timberwolves win big over Warriors, 117-93
When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Golden State Warriors shared with ABC News video of Warriors head coach Steve Kerr on Friday responding to what he called an “ugly and unacceptable” incident involving Green and applauding the Timberwolves for their handling of the situation.
The fan ejection took place after Green got his fifth technical foul during this year’s playoffs during an incident during the second quarter with Timberwolves center Naz Reid. After Green was fouled by Reid, Green appeared to wave his arms and smack Reid in the face with his elbow. During the playoffs, a player is automatically suspended for one game after a 7th technical foul.
According to ESPN, Green claimed during comments to reporters after the game on Thursday that there’s an “agenda” against him.
“Looked like the angry Black man,” Green said. “I’m not an angry Black man. I am a very successful, educated Black man with a great family, and I am great at basketball and great at what I do.”
“The agenda to try to keep making me look like an angry Black man is crazy. I’m sick of it. It’s ridiculous,” he added.
The incident took place during Minnesota’s Game 2 win in the second round of the NBA playoffs, where they defeated the Gold State Warriors 117-93 and leveled the Western Conference semifinal series at 1-1.
The win came during the absence of Warriors star Steph Curry, who suffered a strained left hamstring and is set to be reevaluated in a few days.
The Timberwolves and the Warriors will face off again on Saturday at 8:30 pm ET for Game 3 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, home of the Warriors.
Timberwolves investigate after fans accused of ‘racially charged comments’ toward Warriors’ Draymond Green originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
