Barnes doubts NBPA filing will reverse wage loss
Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes says the National Basketball Players Association filed a grievance in an attempt to rescind his two-game suspension without pay, served as a result of his physical altercation with New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher.
Barnes, confirming an earlier report, also told ESPN he does not expect to have his suspension rescinded.
“I appreciate the support I’ve got from not only my peers throughout the NBA but NFL & from the entertainment world,” Barnes told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “It means a lot that the NBAPA has filed an appeal on my behalf, but I won’t hold my breath. I’ve never had so much as a tech rescinded, I highly doubt I’ll be reimbursed a dime of that suspension money!”
The NBA suspended Barnes for two games for his role in a confrontation with Fisher. Barnes has already served the suspension, so his grievance, if ruled in the NBPA’s favor by an arbitrator, would only recoup the salary he lost during the suspension.
Yahoo! Sports earlier reported that the NBPA had filed a grievance on Barnes’ behalf.
Fisher and Barnes were involved in a physical altercation in Los Angeles on Oct. 3 during a party at the home of Barnes’ ex-wife. On that night, Barnes told ESPN’s Shelburne that he went to Gloria Govan’s home to check on his 6-year-old twin sons after receiving text messages and using FaceTime with his sons and sensing they were uncomfortable. Barnes said one of the twins told him, “Mommy’s friend Derek is here.”
Barnes lives about 15 minutes from his family in Redondo Beach, California. He drove to the home, where the situation between Barnes, Fisher and Govan escalated and a physical altercation reportedly took place. Police were called, though no charges were filed.
The NBA said its investigation of the incident is closed, so no punishment is expected for Fisher.
In an Instagram post published on New Year’s Eve, Barnes discussed the incident, writing that he was “stuck in the ‘triangle offense’ w my ex & snitch, I mean former teammate & friend. Who went behind my back, messed w my ex, got caught, got dealt w for being a snake, then ran & told the Police & NBA. Instead of taken that a– whoopin like a man & kept it moving….! WHERE THEY DO THAT AT? Guess cause I didn’t SNITCH, I get a 2 game suspension by the league ‘They call that LIFE.'”
Fisher has mostly declined to comment when asked about Barnes.
Fisher’s Knicks will face Barnes and the Grizzlies in Memphis, Tennessee, on Saturday.
Barnes is averaging 8.8 points and 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 37 games this season.
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