Matt Barnes Doubts the NBA Will Reimburse Him for Fine

The National Basketball Players Association has filed a grievance on behalf of Matt Barnes, in an effort to recoup cash lost in a recent two-game suspension without pay by the NBA.

Barnes got in trouble after the League completed its investigation of his dustup with New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher.

The Memphis Grizzlies forward says he’s not optimistic about getting any of his money back.

Per ESPN:

“I appreciate the support I’ve got from not only my peers throughout the NBA but NFL & from the entertainment world,” Barnes said. “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 I’ve never had so much as a tech rescinded, I highly doubt I’ll be reimbursed a dime of that suspension money!”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.

 

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 said 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.

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