“Are you looking for continental tissue commercials” Stephen A. Smith rips into NBA refs for throwing out Draymond Green out of Game 1 vs Grizzlies

Draymond Green Foul on Brandon Clark in Game 1 between Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies NBA playoffs 2022 Western Semis

Draymond Green was controversially ejected out of Game 1 of the Western Conference Semis where Golden State Warriors went head-to-head against Memphis Grizzlies. Stephen A. Smith, the analyst on ESPN’s ‘First Take’, wasted no time whatsoever in condemning the decision made by the match officials. Fans would be aware that Draymond Green has been monumental for the Golden State Warriors, specially in highly-stakes games. Hence his ejection just before the Half-time meant the Warriors had to fight through half the game without their best defensive player. It would impact the Warriors and probably on the outcome of a critical Playoff match.

Also Read : “You wanna call anyone an idiot? Look no further than myself” Draymond Green gets brutally honest on his ‘unjust’ ejection during Grizzlies in Game 1

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“I think that’s an utter ridiculous decision by the officiating group. I mean, what are you doing? Looking for continental tissue commercials and endorsements or something? This is utterly ridiculous and a damn shame that this happened.“

Stephen A. Smith was raging at the lack of good refereeing calls in the game, these poor decisions could have an affect in the game and cost the team drastically. Although Draymond did foul Brandon Clarke during a defensive play at the cusp of halftime, the foul did not seem to worth an ejection.

Also Read: Draymond Green’s mom Mary calls out refs after unapologetic ejection of his son from Game 1 vs Grizzlies

Stephen A. Smith defends Draymond Green for strong play in Game 1

Draymond Green in action against the Nuggets — Draymond Green

“You wanna give him a tech? Fine. He clearly tried to hold the person up, you’re making a defensive play, it happens. To have the guy ejected and compromise the potential outcome and leave us in a position where we’re talking about this ejection as opposed to talking about two high-end competitors going after it? I think this tarnishes the level of competition out there today, there are no excuses. It was utterly egregious”

Smith further described the incident as “ridiculous”, and believed that such decisions compromise the competitiveness of such a high quality match-ups. Green himself is no stranger to being ejected and has had an unfortunate career when it comes to picking up ejections and suspensions at the worst times possible. By his own admission, his reputation plays a crucial part in the way he gets treated by officials. It shouldn’t be this way and referees should analyze fouls for what they are and when they occur.