Memphis Grizzlies News 2015: Matt Barnes Suspended Two Games for Derek Fisher Off-Court Fiasco
The NBA announced the suspension of Memphis Grizzlies enforcer Matt Barnes in response to a physical altercation with New York Knicks head coach and former player Derek Fisher. The suspension is for two games, with sources saying that Barnes will be out in their game against Miami and Utah.
The 35-year-old Barnes stormed his estranged wife's home in Southern California last October, leading to a physical altercation with Fisher. At that time, the Knicks coach said that he flew to LA during an off-day in the team's training camp to visit Gloria Govan, who was living with Barnes' children. Barnes then confronted Fisher, leading to an argument and eventually a physical altercation.
The conflict between the two is reportedly caused by Fisher's relationship with Barnes' wife, which the latter is obviously against. But before this, both have been very good friends since they became teammates during their stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Because of the suspension handed down by the NBA, Barnes is expected to lose $64,000 based on what he is supposed to earn this year. While losing money over it is a concern, the fact that he won't be able to help his team in those two games is a heavier burden. The veteran is currently averaging 8.5 points per ball game for the Grizzlies, but the one thing Memphis will miss from him more are his hustle and defensive presence inside the court.
With only a two-game suspension though, both Barnes and the Grizzlies should be more than happy to accept it. There have been several cases in the past when off-court issues, including altercations, lead to harsher punishments. What Barnes got is as minimal as it can get.
And because the league said that the investigation on the incident is already closed, it only means one thing — Fisher isn't expected to be punished.
