Matt Barnes fined $35,000 by NBA for Derek Fisher remarks
New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams, left, drives against Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes, right, in the first half of an NBA game Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Memphis, Tenn. Credit: AP / Brandon Dill
The NBA on Sunday fined Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes $35,000 for his remarks regarding his October altercation with Derek Fisher.
Before the Knicks played the Grizzlies on Saturday night, Barnes said, “Violence is never the answer, but sometimes it is.”
The league fined Barnes “for inappropriate public comments that are detrimental to the best interests of the NBA.”
Said NBA vice president of basketball operations Kiki Vandeweghe, “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.”
Barnes previously was suspended two games by the NBA for “engaging in a physical altercation and threatening” Fisher.
Barnes and Fisher fought at the home of Barnes’ estranged wife, Gloria Govan, in Southern California in early October. Fisher reportedly is in a relationship with Govan.
Fisher didn’t receive any punishment by the league.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
