Matt Barnes’ mouth got him in trouble again and has added to his already insane amount of fines handed down by the NBA. The Memphis Grizzlies forward was fined $35,000 this time for his pro-violence comments towards New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher.
Barnes was initially suspended for two-games after the league investigated an altercation between him and Fisher. Barnes allegedly travelled to his ex-wife Gloria Govan’s house and beat up Fisher for being there.
Ahead of the Knicks game against the Grizzlies, Barnes told reporters of how he drew support for his role in the altercation with Fisher. “It’s been a great support. Every man who looks at the situation knows what’s right and wrong. Violence is never the answer, but sometimes it is. And unfortunately, it happened.
Barnes was unapologetic, reiterated his dislike for Fisher and said they will cross paths again when he’s retired.
In response the NBA has fined Barnes $35,000 for making “inappropriate public comments” condoning violence.
NBA vice president for basketball operations Kiki VanDeWeghe says in a statement: “Matt Barnes’ comments condoning violence do not reflect who we are as a league or the character of our players. His words are unacceptable and entirely inconsistent with the core principles of this game and the NBA.”
