The Gerald Green story continues…
“The NBA: Where Amazing Happens.”
It is also where anything happens. And the Miami Heat are no exception.
The Big Three were formed and disbanded, as LeBron James came and went. The team went from having dreams of a three-peat, to coming in tenth in the Eastern Conference. Chris Bosh gave Heat Nation hope as he re-signed, then broke hearts when he was diagnosed with blood clots.
And now front and center, is the Gerald Green saga.
Green, who signed to the Heat in July, was welcomed with open arms. After previously playing for seven NBA, three D-League and three international teams, the 29-year-old found a new home in South Beach this offseason.
Things started off well. In fact, by the end of preseason, many had Green taking Sixth Man of the Year; averaging 17.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, the guard was certainly proving his worth.
He then made his official Miami debut on October 29 against the Charlotte Hornets, finishing the evening with 19 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist, and going an impressive 5-of-8 from beyond the arc.
However, that was the last time Green was mentioned in a positive light for the Heat.
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The newcomer struggled his next two games, recording a combined 12 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist. He also lost his long-shot touch: he was 2-of-9 in 3-pointers.
And then, things got even worse.
On Wednesday, November 4, it was disclosed that Green was admitted to the hospital, after previously missing a game due to “illness.” And while when the news first broke, little information on the matter was given, details began to slowly emerge.
Allegedly, authorities were called to Green’s condo Wednesday morning, on grounds of a “commotion.” At the time, it was said that Green was screaming at the top of lungs and that shortly after, he passed out and had to be taken to the hospital. Teammate Mario Chalmers (who has since been traded to the Memphis Grizzles), who lived in the same building, was called as things were unfolding.
After that, it became pretty much radio silence on the topic. While Twitter buzzed of possible drug use, both the Miami organization and the media stayed quiet. Green was hospitalized for four days, and the only thing the public heard was that he was “better” and “safe.”
Many wondered if what happened was Green’s own fault. And if so, what would end up happening to him. Would the Heat keep him on? Would the NBA? But without much of anything, speculation was tough at best.
Then it was announced that Green would be suspended for two games, because of “conduct detrimental to the team.” And finally, someone acknowledged the matter.
Riley, after being asked about it following the team’s victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, was unable to avoid addressing the situation any longer. But naturally, he still remained vague:
"“I think the release and the statement pretty much says what it says — conduct detrimental to the team. And other than that, it’s a personal matter. It doesn’t need to be discussed.”"
However, he did also seem to suggest that what happened would not change anything between Green and the organization.
"“I just believe that we can [count on Gerald moving forward]. I’ve been around this game for 48 years and he’s a really great kid, great athlete, can really shoot the ball. He’s explosive and we’re going to need him, and I think he’s going to show that to us.”"
As for Green, he issued an equally succinct public apology.
"“I want to apologize to my family, fans and the Heat organization. I accept the suspension and look forward to rejoining my teammates this weekend.”"
However, now even more details have emerged, only peaking the curiosity of fans.
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According to this police report, Green himself asked his front desk to call the paramedics, after showing up with bloody hands. He then walked away, and collapsed in the valet area.
He recovered however, and made his way back inside when he got into an altercation with a man who was trying to stop him from going upstairs to his apartment. Green supposedly punched the victim in his right eye, but he did not want to press charges.
At this point, Green was already restrained and in handcuffs, but was then placed on a stretcher by several people and carried into the ambulance. He was fighting fire rescue off the whole time, and was loud and verbally aggressive.
Although Green may come back after this and have the season of his life, the question will forever remain: what happened?
It seems as though if details surrounding this event are slowly emerging anyways, that both he and the organization would want to get in front of it, as soon as possible. Police reports are pretty black and white, but it is only a matter of time before long-winded tales will make their way around. And after Miami vowed to leave the drama of last season behind, a scandal like this is probably the last thing they want to deal with.
Green should be back in the Heat’s practice rotation this Friday, after they take on the Utah Jazz on Thursday night at 7:30 ET.