Barnes fined $50K for remark to Harden's mom
The NBA has fined Clippers forward Matt Barnes $50,000 for directing inappropriate language at Houston Rockets guard James Harden‘s mother, the league announced Friday.
During Game 2, Barnes, who had been exchanging words with fans throughout the series, made a profane remark toward Harden’s mother.
Barnes said earlier Friday he was simply responding to remarks made toward him and didn’t know he was making the remarks at Harden’s mother until afterward.
“We’ve made our peace,” Barnes said. “We’ve spoken twice since the incident. She said something and I said something back. I’ve heard speculation to what I allegedly said, which is crazy and untrue but it is what it is. They’re trying to start controversy. She said something and I said something back. I spoke to her at halftime and I spoke to her after the game and we’re fine.”
Clippers coach Doc Rivers spoke to Barnes about the incident before Friday’s shootaround and Barnes said he hoped to put the situation behind him.
“What I said was said and what she said was said. No matter what was said, we both said something,” he said. “I got a tongue lashing from Doc this morning and we’ve made our peace and I’m ready to play basketball.”
Harden spoke about the incident to reporters Friday morning.
“In any situation when you’re talking about somebody’s parents it’s disrespectful,” Harden said. “I’m focused on Game 3 and we’re focused and locked in. It’s going to be some great intensity tonight. “
Information from ESPN.com’s Calvin Watkins was used in this report.
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