Matt Barnes again criticizes NBA's disciplinary decisions after J.R. Smith suspension
Matt Barnes' reputation for complaining about NBA disciplinary decisions on Twitter is almost as famous as his reputation for finding himself on the wrong end of NBA discipline itself.
Barnes' latest Twitter criticism came after it was announced that Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith - himself an often deserved target of NBA discipline - had been suspended only two games for his vicious backhand to the head of Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder.
Not a knock on Jr cause he's the homie, but I get 1game for pushing someone! Let me take a swing w/a closed fist. NBA picks & chooses #joke
— Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) April 27, 2015
Barnes also spoke out (via Twitter) when the league rescinded a technical foul to Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook, which would have resulted in the MVP candidate missing OKC's second-last game of the season.
Barnes is always careful to ensure he's not throwing fellow players under the bus, but he clearly believes he's unfairly targeted by the league while bigger names get off easier or escape punishment altogether.
Barnes does have a point. He received a one-game suspension in 2011 for shoving Jason Terry during a minor altercation between Terry and Barnes' former teammate Steve Blake.
Given Smith's history, his actions certainly deserved more than two games worth of pay.
Barnes has been suspended a total of five games in his 12-year career. He's also been fined a total of $155,000, including $50,000 this season for two separate incidents which saw the Los Angeles Clippers forward kick a water bottle into the crowd and direct inappropriate language towards fans.