Matt Barnes calling it a career, says he did it his way
Matt Barnes is wrapping up his wild ride through the NBA.
The 37-year-old forward, who won a title with the Golden State Warriors last season but hasn't played this season, posted his retirement announcement on Instagram on Monday.
He wrote: "Had a cool 15yr run!! Traveled the world met alota cool people, some will be brothers for the rest of my life! BUT NOW.... You telling me I can dress like this for business meetings & make more money off the court than I made ON?? & spend more time with my kids??!!Ha... MEEEEE the one that wasn't suppose to be s--- & ended up making it!! Let's Do it! Love me or HATE ME, I DID IT MY WAY!"
Barnes was hard-nosed and confrontational on the court and had a few run-ins off it. In the past few years he was embroiled in a feud with former Lakers player and Knicks coach Derek Fisher, who was dating Barnes' ex-wife, Gloria Govan.
In June, Barnes pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct violation in New York to avoid criminal charges stemming from a nightclub incident. A related civil suit has been filed against Barnes and former teammate DeMarcus Cousins in a New York District Court by two plaintiffs, Jasmine Besiso and Myrone Powell. The lawsuit alleges that Barnes grabbed Besiso by her neck and began choking her at approximately 3 a.m. after a fight broke out in the VIP section of the Avenue club.
Barnes, who never averaged more than 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, played for nine NBA teams over a 14-year career. He usually came off the bench and was counted on to add a spark -- physically and emotionally. He twice was in the top 10 in the NBA in fouls committed.
The second-round draft pick out of UCLA averaged 8.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in his career and appeared in 12 playoff games for the Warriors this season.
He appeared in 12 playoff games for the Warriors last season.
Barnes has been running a foundation that helps raise money for cancer patients. He has said that he is working with UCLA to establish a scholarship fund for children who beat cancer and want to attend college.
