Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes was fined $25,000 for what the NBA determined was “inappropriate language directed toward a fan” during Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. According to Barnes — who is no stranger to Twitter rants (and being punished for them) — that “fan” was actually Suns owner Robert Sarver, who Barnes claims fired the opening salvo in their exchange.
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
I’ve been fined 50k in the last mnth for kicking a “PAPER”Gatorade cup that had alil bit of water in it that didn’t even hit anyone &…. — 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
I might need to find a second job with all these crazy tecs & fines. I Can see it now LA TIMES.. “Costco worker by day nba player by night" — Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) January 27, 2015
It remains to be seen if the NBA punishes Barnes further for his Twitter rant, but something tells us a guy who’s made nearly $16 million in his career — and could make almost $7 million over the next two seasons — won’t be appearing at a Costco check stand any time soon.
[Twitter]
