How much does it cost to speak your mind at work? If you’re Matt Barnes, the bill is pretty high.
The Memphis Grizzlies forward caught a $35,000 NBA fine for advocating violence against New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher — his former teammate-turned-mortal-enemy because he’s dating Barnes’ ex, Gloria Govan.
Last fall, Barnes went over to Govan’s house and blessed Fisher with the fade. No charges were filed, but Barnes was slapped with a two-game suspension, which he is appealing.
Before a game against the Knicks this past weekend the 35-year-old player didn’t exactly shy away from answering questions about the scuffle. He stated in part that, “Violence is never the answer, but sometimes it is. And unfortunately, it happened.”
Not a good idea.
The league responded with stern comments against violence, and the like. “Matt Barnes’ comments condoning violence do not reflect who we are as a league or the character of our players,” NBA VP of basketball operations Kiki VanDeWeghe said. “His words are unacceptable and entirely inconsistent with the core principles of this game and the NBA.”
True to form, Barnes hasn’t been quiet about this fight situation. Instead, he not-so-subtly slanders Fisher…like calling him a “snake” and a “snitch.”
From a professional standpoint, it might be time Barnes keep it to himself.
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Photo: WENN
