NEW YORK — The NBA suspended Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes two games without pay Monday for what the league said was a “physical altercation” with Derek Fisher and for “threatening” the New York Knicks coach in October.
The league investigated the Oct. 3 incident in Redondo Beach, California, between Barnes and Fisher — former teammates with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2010-12.
The Grizzlies had just wrapped up a week of training camp, and a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press in October the incident occurred while Fisher attended a gathering at the home of Barnes’ estranged wife, Gloria Govan. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no details were publicly released.
Redondo Beach police responded to an incident Oct. 3 but disclosed no information on the location or who was involved after finding no basis for criminal charges.
Barnes’ suspension will begin Tuesday night when the Grizzlies host Miami and includes Saturday night’s game at Utah. The Grizzlies were off Monday after playing back-to-back games over the weekend.
The Grizzlies traded for Barnes on draft day in June. Barnes has played 33 games with the Grizzlies (17-16) and is averaging 8.6 points and five rebounds per game.
Fisher is in his second season with the Knicks after spending most of his playing career in Los Angeles.
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