The New York Knicks travel to Memphis this Saturday to take on the Grizzlies. What does that mean for former teammates Matt Barnes and Derek Fisher?
By Israel Gonzalez
Late last year a scandal broke out in the National Basketball Association. NBA star and perennial bad boy, Matt Barnes, was involved in a serious altercation with New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher.
The fight happened because Barnes had found out that Fisher was in a relationship with Barnes’ estranged wife, Gloria Govan, who is one of the stars of “Basketball Wives LA.”
Barnes reportedly became irate when his children called to let their father know that Fisher was currently at their home. From there, Barnes drove to the home he used to share with Govan, with the sole intent of beating up his former teammate.
The fight would take place, and both individuals have since taken different approaches to what has become a major PR nightmare for both the New York Knicks and the Memphis Grizzlies. Derek Fisher has remained as tight-lipped as possible. This is understandable, given that Barnes has claimed that he got the better of Fisher. That, of course, is a euphemism for what Barnes actually said.
The show is now on the road, as the next battle that will be waged by Barnes and Fisher takes place approximately 1,800 miles east. No fists will be flying this time around. This is not a fight to the death. The battle is won and loss via points.
To his credit, Matt Barnes doesn’t wish badly upon Derek Fisher. It’s just not his style.
“I never wish for another man’s downfall,” said Barnes to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News “I always knew the NBA would come down hard on me, so I wasn’t surprised… Cause I’m the bad guy.”
How sweet. Matt Barnes doesn’t wish for any man’s downfall, but he has no problem beating up on someone. Barnes is arguably the personification of an oxymoron. However, just because he wishes nothing bad upon Fisher, it doesn’t mean that he’ll ever associate with his former friend and teammate.
“I don’t talk to snakes,” said Barnes to Bondy.
At this point, and in light of his recent two-game suspension, Barnes understands that he simply cannot force any additional altercations with Fisher. Doing so would likely mean heftier fines and longer suspensions. But after his career is over, Barnes wants it to be known that anything goes.
“I know I got to keep my mouth shut because then he’ll run and tell,” said Barnes. “So we’re focused on playing that team (the Knicks). And when I’m retired, him and I will cross paths again.”
The WWE’s Vince McMahon must be salivating over the potential of promoting Matt Barnes vs. Derek Fisher II.
Steel cage match, anyone?
