When Matt Barnes threatened disgraced Suns' former owner, Robert Sarver in front of his wife -"I'll slap the s*** out of you"
Matt Barnes, having played for the Phoenix Suns, is well aware of who Robert Sarver, the former owner of the team, is. Sarver was forced to sell his stake in the Suns after allegations of racism and misogyny surfaced.
Barnes told Vlad TV last year what he said in a personal altercation with Sarver.
“I had a situation with him [Sarver] too, I want to say like in 2011 or 12 after I left there. I was in a game and I was talking to this 13-year-old kid and his dad courtside. You know me, I had a fun back-and-forth, talking trash, nothing bad about it."
Barnes continued:
"And someone was shooting a free throw, and I heard someone behind me say, ’Don’t talk to my f*king fans. And I’m like, ‘Who’s he talking to?’ I turned around and it was Sarver and I’m like, “Motherf**ker, I’ll slap the s**t out of you in front of your wife.”
This is a strong statement for any player to say to any NBA owner. Barnes was fined $25,000 by the NBA after Sarver reported his inappropriate behavior.
Barnes is now 43 years old and is a sports media personality. In his basketball days, Barnes played for a few teams, including the Phoenix Suns and the LA Clippers. He had an aggressive personality and has been in fights with several NBA players over the years.
Matt Barnes speaks up against Robert Sarver
The on-court altercation wasn't the only time Matt Barnes went at it with Robert Sarver. Sarver underwent an investigation over alleged claims of racism, sexism, and other misconduct during his time as Suns owner. Eventually, these reports were confirmed, and Sarver was led to sell his ownership of the Suns.
Upon hearing the news, Barnes said he hoped that the punishment would be even more severe.
"Robert Sarver was a perfect candidate to be kicked out of the NBA," he said.
"There’s no place for hate"
Former #Suns Forward @Matt_Barnes22 tells @RickKamlaSports & @adaniels33 he was hoping the punishment would be worse for Robert Sarver https://t.co/UzzSmD3cFk
Other players like LeBron James also chimed in on this topic.
LeBron James shared his thoughts on the NBA's suspension of Suns owner Robert Sarver.
The NBA announced Tuesday that Sarver would receive a $10 million fine and a one-year suspension for allegations of racism and misogyny during his 17 years as owner. es.pn/3QOYePE https://t.co/cAHeRgNIGm