Matt Barnes on Derek Fisher: "Violence is never the answer, but sometimes it is"
By Kyle Koster
Derek Fisher’s New York Knicks are in Memphis to take on Matt Barnes’ Memphis Grizzlies tonight. It’s the first time these two have shared a court since their salacious offseason scuffle. Leading up to the game, Fisher downplayed the reunion, saying the past is “of no consequence” to him. Barnes was predictably more quotable.
“I don’t talk to snakes,” he said.
Barnes continued to intrigue with this head-scratching quote.
More Barnes: “Every man who looks at the situation knows what’s right and wrong. Violence is never the answer, but sometimes it is.”
— Scott Cacciola (@ScottCacciola) January 16, 2016
Barnes was suspended two games for his role in the confrontation while Fisher received no punishment. The NBA’s investigation is closed and the Players Association has filed a grievance aimed at recovering some of Barnes’ lost salary.
His comments today, while entertaining, are probably not the type of contrition Adam Silver and league brass would like to see. They’re also not entirely untrue. Sometimes words fail and it’s time to let the fists do the talking. Even a second-grader can tell you that much.