LOS ANGELES — Basketball player Matt Barnes was in a physical altercation with Knicks head coach Derek Fisher over his estranged wife.
According to the New York Post, Gloria Govan and Fisher have been in a relationship for a few months after Fisher filed for divorce from his wife of ten years back in March.
Govan used to be a regular cast member on the VH1 reality show “Basketball Wives LA.”
When Barnes found out, he reportedly drove 95 miles to his former home with Govan in LA saying he was going to “beat the s–t” out of his former teammate.
Fisher and Govan were at the home hosting ten others when Barnes arrived, and confronted them.
A source close to Fisher told the New York Post, he only had minor scratches and was not going to be pressing charges.
Fisher left the scene before cops arrived.
Govan is reportedly going to file for a restraining order.
The Memphis Grizzlies released a statement saying, ” We are aware and currently gathering information regarding today’s report involving Matt Barnes. We have no further comment at this time.”
Some Grizzlies fans WREG spoke with had heard about the alleged fight.
Some sports hosts are waiting to see what the NBA and the team has to say.
“I think most of the teammates, if you asked them publicly, they would tell you that they’re with Matt Barnes, and ‘I understand with his wife, but you can’t get physical ever,’ because that’s the proper line. Behind the scenes, I think they’re like, ‘Yeah, man, that’s the way you do it,” said Sports 56 Host John Hardin.
WREG interviewed Barnes Tuesday, before this story leaked, at the Grizz’s pre-season home opener. He addressed some of the tough feelings Memphis fans had when he joined the team earlier this year.
“I’ve been surprised ever since I got here. To be public enemy number one coming here, and then to come back to nothing but ‘welcome’ and, it’s good to see you,’ and it almost seems fake, you know what I mean?” he said.
He said he looked forward to giving fans something to cheer about.