The New York Knicks will travel to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies this Saturday, and all eyes will be on Matt Barnes and Derek Fisher. But don’t expect anything to happen — not even a quick “hello” or a head nod.
On Thursday, Barnes told the New York Daily News that he will not acknowledge his former teammate and friend.
“I don’t talk to snakes,” Barnes said.
Barnes, as many of you know, was suspended two games by the NBA last month because of his offseason altercation with Fisher, who was dating Barnes’ estranged wife Gloria Govan. Barnes supposedly drove 95 miles to Govan’s home in October to fight Fisher. Barnes later claimed he went there because his son was upset that Fisher was visiting.
However, Barnes said he does not believe Fisher should be punished for his role in the altercation.
“I never wish for another man’s downfall,” he said. “I always knew the NBA would come down hard on me, so I wasn’t surprised… Cause I’m the bad guy.”
When two of Barnes’ teammates who were standing in the background yelled that he won the fight, the 35-year-old veteran agreed.
“Probably, because I didn’t snitch,” he replied.
“I know I got to keep my mouth shut because then he’ll run and tell,” Barnes added. “So we’re focused on playing that team (the Knicks). And when I’m retired, him and I will cross paths again.”
The details from the fight were pretty disturbing, as one report claimed Barnes punched Fisher and only stopped because one of his children begged him to. On New Year’s Eve, Barnes went on a seemingly drunken Instagram rant (read it here) and accused Fisher of being a snitch among other things.
According to a report from Marc Berman of the New York Post, an NBA investigation revealed that Barnes had been sending threatening text messages to Fisher weeks before the brawl at Govan’s home. The league will be monitoring the situation on Saturday to make sure nothing happens.
