NBA fines Grizzlies’ Matt Barnes $35,000 for ‘condoning violence’

The NBA has fined Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes for his comments on violence.

The NBA has fined Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes for his comments “condoning violence,” the league announced Sunday.

Barnes told reporters Saturday before Memphis’s game against the New York Knicks “violence is never the answer, but sometimes it is.” Barnes made the comment in reference to his off-season incident with Knicks coach Derek Fisher, in which Barnes reportedly punched Fisher in the face.

Fisher was at the home of Barnes’ ex-wife when the altercation occurred. 

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Barnes was suspended two games for the incident earlier this season. He recently filed a grievance with the NBA in an attempt to recoup the salary he lost from the suspension.

Barnes scored two points in a Grizzlies win over the Knicks on Saturday.