France vs. Germany Friendly Turns Ugly as Fournier Ejects After Throat Choke

Tensions flared high in an international friendly between France and Germany, as Evan Fournier was ejected for choking Dennis Schröder with just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter.

The countdown to the Olympics is underway, but tensions are already running high ahead of the Games. In an international friendly between France and Germany at Lanxess Arena in Cologne, tempers flared and a physical altercation marred the event.

With France holding a comfortable 41-23 lead over Germany, Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schröder drove towards the basket only to be met with a foul by Evan Fournier, a free agent who represented the Knicks and Pistons last season. Schröder took exception to the call, confronting Fournier with heated words.

France vs. Germany Friendly Turns Ugly as Fournier Ejects After Throat Choke

Fournier reacted instinctively, grabbing Schröder by the throat. The incident triggered a swift response, with officials quickly intervening to separate the players. Fournier was promptly ejected from the game for his actions.

The heated exchange highlighted the intensity surrounding the upcoming Olympics, where France and Germany are both part of Group B alongside Japan and the winner of an Olympic qualifying tournament. The two teams will face each other again on August 2nd in what promises to be a highly anticipated rematch.

France vs. Germany Friendly Turns Ugly as Fournier Ejects After Throat Choke

Germany boasts an impressive roster led by Franz and Moritz Wagner of the Orlando Magic and Daniel Theis of the LA Clippers. Franz Wagner recently inked a lucrative $229 million deal with the Magic, further bolstering the team's aspirations.

Meanwhile, France enters the Olympics as a formidable contender, boasting reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. The French squad is aiming to replicate their 2020 Olympic victory and will undoubtedly face stiff competition from the likes of Team USA, Spain, and several other aspiring nations.

France vs. Germany Friendly Turns Ugly as Fournier Ejects After Throat Choke

Olympic basketball action kicks off on July 27th, culminating in the men's gold medal game on August 10th. As teams prepare for the pinnacle of international basketball, the incident in Cologne serves as a reminder of the intense rivalries and fierce competition that will define the upcoming Games.

Following the altercation, Fournier expressed regret for his actions. "I let my emotions get the best of me," he said. "I apologize to Dennis Schröder and the French team. This is not the way I represent myself or my country."

Schröder, despite being the target of the altercation, downplayed the incident. "It's all good," he stated. "Emotions were high, but we're all here to compete and put on a great show for the fans. No hard feelings."

In the aftermath of the incident, both teams vowed to focus on the upcoming Olympics and put the friendly behind them. The countdown to the Games continues, and the heated rivalry between France and Germany promises to reach new heights on the global stage.