Momentum Grows for Matt Barnes’ ‘Broken’ NCAA Stance as John Calipari’s Fiery Statement Backs Him

Controversy! Yes, if there’s one thing that’s been constant with the NCAA over the past year, it’s the endless rule changes, and controversies surrounding it. And 2017 NBA champion Matt Barnes called it out a few days ago. Everyone was well-familiar with the depriving situation, yet Matt had the guts to say it outright. Now, finally, someone else has stepped up, doubling down on Matt’s point, and backing it up in his own words.

Controversy has been the only constant in college basketball lately. With NIL deals pouring in, some players are staying in college long enough to outlast assistant coaches (only an extra year), and now the NCAA is making even more changes. Starting in 2025-26, junior college players will get an extra year of eligibility, adding yet another wrinkle to the ever-evolving college basketball landscape.

Former Warriors’ star Matt Barnes didn’t let it slide without speaking his mind. But the good thing is instead of blaming the players, he blamed the system itself. “One of the hottest topics of late has been the NCAA, the NIL, and these old a– men playing college basketball,”* Barnes said. “And I wanna make this very clear, by no way do I fault the players for taking advantage of a situation the NCAA has no control over.” And now coach John Calipari has also doubled down his take with the same wind but just with a little tweak in it.

While Barnes focused on players staying longer, Coach Cal is more worried about the transfer portal chaos. This year, more than 1000 players entered the portal after its opening on Monday. What used to be an opportunity for young talent is now being swallowed up by big-name transfers chasing NIL money. Arkansas head coach John Calipari isn’t having it, either. He said, “There are kids in the United States that are freshmen that deserve scholarships to college…We’re all waiting for transfers. That’s what disappoints me the most.” And hearing this concern of the head coach, Matt Barnes shared the post with his clear message, “@ncaa system is broken. Said this a month ago”

So now, with two big names doubling down on the same concerns, the question is, will the NCAA finally listen, or will the chaos continue? It remains to be seen. And speaking of Matt Barnes, did you know he has always been outspoken? 

Matt Barnes’ bold take on internet image

Raw. Real. Relentless. That’s the Matt Barnes way. His no-holds-barred personality made him a force on the court. But in the media world, it’s turning him into something even bigger. Now he is a voice that you can’t really ignore. And if anyone doesn’t like it? That’s their problem, not his.

Matt Barnes has carved out a new lane for himself in retirement, thriving on platforms like All The Smoke, the podcast he co-hosts with Stephen Jackson. His blunt honesty and raw storytelling have made him one of the most engaging figures in NBA media. But back when he was playing? That same authenticity wasn’t always welcomed. In a past episode of All The Smoke, Barnes made something very clear. He’s never been one to cater to public perception.

“I don’t give a f—,” Matt told Stephen Jackson. He admitted that during their playing days, the media and public expected them to fit into a certain mold. Their peers and teammates respected them for being real, but the outside world wasn’t always as accepting.

Now, in this new era, Matt sees things differently. “It’s never really mattered to me whether I’m understood or not” What matters is that the people he cares about know who he is and that’s enough. Some chase approval. Barnes never has. And if you don’t like his truth? He’s sleeping just fine at night.