Grizzlies’ Barnes: ‘I highly doubt I’ll be reimbursed’ over Fisher grievance

Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes is doubtful that the NBA will reimburse him after the NBPA filed a grievance on his behalf.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes is doubtful that the NBA will reimburse him after the National Basketball Players Association filed a grievance on his behalf. The grievance was filed in hopes of rescinding Barnes’ two-game suspension without pay for an off-court incident involving New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher, his former teammate with the Lakers, in October.

Barnes already served his suspension, but if the grievance were to rule in the NBPA’s favor, Barnes would recoup the salary he lost while suspended.

“I appreciate the support I’ve got from not only my peers throughout the NBA but NFL and from the entertainment world,” Barnes told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “It means a lot that the NBAPA has filed an appeal on my behalf, but I won’t hold my breath. I’ve never had so much as a tech rescinded, I highly doubt I’ll be reimbursed a dime of that suspension money!” 

• MAHONEY: Fundamentals: How the Blazers reinvented their offense

In October, Barnes confronted Fisher at the home of his estranged wife, Gloria Govan, and the two engaged in a physical altercation, according to the New York Post. Barnes later said that he received a concerning text from his son, who was at the house with Govan and Fisher, and went to see what was wrong.

Barnes, 35, allegedly punched Fisher in the face, but the Knicks coach did not press charges. Barneslater addressed the details of what happened.

​

The veteran forward is averaging 8.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 37 games this season.

• NEWCOMB: The 30 biggest tech innovations in Air Jordan history

The Knicks travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies on Saturday.