Grizzlies' Barnes fined $35K for inappropriate public comments
Matt Barnes of the Memphis Grizzlies has been fined $35,000 for "inappropriate public comments that are detrimental to the best interests of the NBA," league executive vice president Kiki VanDeWeghe announced Sunday.
Addressing the physical confrontation with New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher in October that got him suspended two games, Barnes said Saturday: "Violence is never the answer, but sometimes it is."
"Matt Barnes' comments condoning violence do not reflect who we are as a league or the character of our players," VanDeWeghe said. "His words are unacceptable and entirely inconsistent with the core principles of this game and the NBA."
Related: Matt Barnes: Derek Fisher and I 'were friends'
This brings Barnes' total fines stemming from the Fisher incident - which came as a result of Barnes learning that Fisher was dating his ex-wife - to just under $100,000. He previously received a two-game suspension from the league for his actions, costing him approximately $65,000. The National Basketball Players Association filed a grievance on his behalf, in an attempt recoup his lost wages.
Barnes and Fisher were teammates with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2010-12.