The NBA gave Draymond Green a flagrant foul (which triggered a one-game suspension) and LeBron James a technical foul for their roles in a Game 4 dispute.
More specifically, Kiki VanDeWeghe – the league’s executive vice president of basketball operations – gave Draymond Green a flagrant foul (which triggered a one-game suspension) and LeBron James a technical foul for their roles in a Game 4 dispute.
How did VanDeWeghe reach that decision? His wife, Peggy, provided some context on Twitter the day before the ruling was announced.
AJ Neuharth-Keusch of USA Today:The tweet, which was later deleted, read:
“Just got in a #MaritalArgument over #NBAFinals re: @KingJames & @Money23Green altercation! @ramonashelburne @ESPNSteinLine What’s your take?”
On one hand, it’s beyond naïve to believe people don’t talk to their spouses about their work. Of spouses’ many roles, one is usually trusted advisor.
On the other hand, the NBA tabbed Kiki – not Peggy – to make these decisions. Presumably, Kiki reviews the rule book and precedent before making a judgment. Does Peggy?
We don’t know which side each took initially or how influenced Kiki was by his wife. But we at least know one other person – beyond the Warriors and Cavaliers – who had a strong opinion on the matter heard by VanDeWeghe before he made his decision.
