NBA: Matt Barnes has decided to retire from basketball
What's the story?
NBA player Matt Barnes, 37, has decided to retire from the game of basketball.
In case you didn't know...
In June, Barnes pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct violation in New York to avoid criminal charges due to a nightclub incident. A related civil suit has been filed against Barnes and his former teammate DeMarcus Cousins.
He was also involved in a fight with the former Lakers player and Knicks coach Derek Fisher, who was dating Gloria Govan, Barnes's ex-wife.
He finished in the top 10 in the NBA in fouls committed twice.
The heart of the matter...
The 37-year-old decided to announce his retirement through Instagram on Monday when he wrote the following message in his post:
"Had a cool 15yr run!! Traveled the world met alota cool people, some will be brothers for the rest of my life! BUT NOW.... You telling me I can dress like this for business meetings & make more money off the court than I made ON?? & spend more time with my kids??!!Ha... MEEEEE the one that wasn't suppose to be s--- & ended up making it!! Let's Do it! Love me or HATE ME, I DID IT MY WAY!"
Barnes was hard-headed and confrontational on the court. In his 14-year NBA career, he played for nine teams and never averaged more than 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He usually came off the bench and added a spark both physically and emotionally.
Barnes averaged 8.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in his career and appeared in 12 playoff games last season for the Golden State Warriors.
What's next?
The second round draft pick from UCLA has been running a foundation that helps raise money for cancer patients. He has said that he is working with UCLA to establish a scholarship fund for children who beat cancer and want to attend college.
Author's take
After winning the first and last ring of his career with the Golden State Warriors last season, it seems to be the perfect time for Barnes to end his career as an NBA player.