Matt Barnes apologizes to James Harden's mother for profane remark
The mother of Houston Rockets guard James Harden says that Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes apologized for a profane remark he made to her during Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on Wednesday.
Harden's mother, Monja Willis, told TMZ that Barnes apologized when asked by Harden's brother to do so.
"My older son walked over to him and told him to apologize," Willis said. "And he did. What he told me was that he would never want to disrespect anyone's mother because his mother passed from cancer ... and that he was sorry."
According to ESPN.com, the Rockets informed the NBA about Barnes arguing with Houston fans during both games at the Toyota Center.
"I heard about some of that stuff," Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. "You don't say anything to [the mother]. If you got something to say, say it to the guy you're playing against. I never thought of talking bad to Magic [Johnson's] mother. It's hard enough talking trash to Magic."
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"No, I didn't really know about it until this morning," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "I don't think you should [trash talk] unless you're doing it for fun and have fun. I have found the fans in Houston to be pretty much fun."
Barnes, who has scored 26 total points in the two games in the series, was fined $25,000 earlier this year for comments directed towards Phoenix Suns fans.
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Game 3 between Houston and Los Angeles is Friday. The series is tied at one game apiece.
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