Clippers' Barnes fined $25K for profane language
Los Angeles Clippers swingman Matt Barnes has been fined $25,000 for directing inappropriate language towards a fan last Sunday, reports Sam Amick of USA Today.
The incident occurred after Barnes was assessed with a technical foul, notes Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic. Coro added that Barnes said three words, two of which were profane.
This is Barnes's second incident of the season and the tenth fine of his career. In December, Barnes was docked $25,000 for kicking a cup and swearing at a fan.
Barnes is averaging 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 28.6 minutes per game this season. He is shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 39.1 percent on 3-pointers.
In response to his punishment, Barnes took to Twitter to clarify that his exchange featured none other than Suns owner Robert Sarver.
Another 25k! The part of the story the nba hasn't told you was my language wasnt directed at a fan, I was talkn to the owner of the Suns....
— Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) January 27, 2015
..Who was sitting on the baseline & I only said something to him AFTER he cussed at me, BUT because I didn't SNITCH I get fined!! #thecode
— Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) January 27, 2015
You can take my money, I care about winning!!
— Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) January 27, 2015
Responding to an OWNER who cussed at me first.. 50,000 dollars for that?? Come on now!
— Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) January 27, 2015