Matt Barnes Controversy: NBA Legend Sidelined By $166.22 Company Following Bizarre High School Incident

Post-retirement, NBA champion Matt Barnes had been an analyst for ESPN and for the Sacramento Kings‘ pre and post-game coverage with NBC Sports California. The 43-year-old experienced a smooth and successful first three years with the company. However, things have now quickly gone downhill for the UCLA alum after the odd high school incident a few weeks ago.

Three weeks after the incident, the $166.22 billion worth NBC has reportedly decided to part ways with the former Golden State Warriors player. Barnes will no longer be the Kings’ studio analyst on NBC Sports California. The incident in question took place during his latest appearances in one of his twin son’s games.

His son plays for the Crespi Carmelite Celts, who were up against the Harvard-Westlake Wolverines. The scene involved Barnes yelling at a student broadcaster from the Harvard-Westlake School. However, soon the two were interrupted by other adults present at the game. As per reports, the exchange was moments after an official called a technical foul on one of his sons.

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Furthermore, a video of the NBA champion placing his right hand on the student’s shoulder was also circulated on social media. Following the incident, Barnes also explained his version of the story.

Matt Barnes opened up about the controversial incident

In a recent appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, Barnes admitted to yelling at referees during a game. “I was yelling at the refs, Dan. I’ve yelled at the refs my entire college career, my 15-year NBA career…So I’m going to be doing a lot of yelling at the refs.”

However, he mentioned that it was a mistake to place his hands on the student’s shoulder. “This particular incident, I will say my one mistake was putting my hand on [the student broadcaster’s] shoulder. I literally put my hand on this kid’s shoulder because it was almost like I was talking to my son.”

The student broadcaster involved in the incident, Jake Lancer, also shared his perspective on the matter via his X account. “I want to make it very clear that I never told him to “shut up” or anything close to that” He further added, “All I wanted to do in the moment was get back to announcing the championship game.”

The NBA champion spent 14 years in the NBA, including 2 years with the Sacramento Kings. While the former Kings player won’t appear for the NBC broadcast, he will continue to work with NBA legend Stephen Jackson for the All The Smoke podcast.

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