“What I said was inappropriate. I would never punch an NBA player,” Barkley said during TNT’s “NBA Tip-Off.” “I meant what I said (regarding Green’s on-court behavior), but I would never punch an NBA player.”
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Barkley advocated for assault after Green went chest to chest with Pelicans guard Rajon Rondo at halftime of Golden State’s victory in Game 2 of their second-round Western Conference playoff series. Green responded after the game by challenging Barkley to follow through.
“My personal opinion should never come across in a comment I make about a team or a player,” Barkley said Wednesday. “It did (Tuesday) night. Draymond is a hell of a player, he’s an irritant, he annoys me at times, but he’s a hell of a player, but what I said was wrong and I apologize.”
Green’s mother took potshots at Barkley on Twitter late Tuesday, mainly in reference to Barkley’s history for avoiding confrontation on the court.
