Los Angeles Lakers Guard Matt Barnes Arrested for Hitting Girlfriend

By (Featured Columnist) on September 9, 2010

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BOSTON - MAY 28:  Matt Barnes #22 of the Orlando Magic reacts after was called for a defensive foul  against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 28, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts
Elsa/Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers forward Matt Barnes was arrested Wednesday after a domestic dispute in Sacramento.

According to a police spokesman, Barnes was involved in a dispute with a woman who he lived with and had a dating relationship.

Although the victim's name was withheld, it is presumed that it was Barnes' fiancee Gloria Govan.

Govan, who starred on the VH1 reality show Basketball Wives, has two children with the 30-year-old Barnes.

Here's a closer look at the sketchy details of the case thus far.

The 911 Call

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 12:  Matt Barnes #22 of the Orlando Magic in action during their game against the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena on January 12, 2010 in Sacramento, California.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloa
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

According to The Sacramento Bee, Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a residence in Sacramento to respond to an incomplete 911 call.

Deputies arrived on the scene at 4:15 p.m. and spoke with Barnes and the unnamed woman who lived with him.

Sacramento County Sheriff spokesman Tim Curran said deputies determined the two had been involved in a physical confrontation after noticing visible injuries to both parties.

According to the report, 911 operators fielded a call from the 8100 block of Sunset Avenue and heard the sounds of a struggle before the line was disconnected.

The Arrest

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 18: Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers blocks the shot by Matt Barnes #22 of the Orlando Magic in the third quarter during the game on January 18, 2010 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expr
Harry How/Getty Images

Although both Barnes and the victim had injuries, Sheriff's Deputies determined Barnes to be the aggressor in the confrontation.

Barnes was subsequently arrested and officially booked into the Sacramento County Jail Wednesday evening on a felony domestic violence charge.

He was also charged with maliciously obstructing the use of a telephone line.

The Sacramento native posted a $50,000 bond and was released shortly before 10 p.m. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday, September 13.

The Response from Barnes

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 12:  Matt Barnes #22 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball while Spencer Hawes #31 of the Sacramento Kings looks on at ARCO Arena on January 12, 2010 in Sacramento, California.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees t
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

It might not be a good idea to go public after such an incident, but that's exactly what Barnes did after his release Wednesday.

According to ABC News 10, Barnes texted reporter Bryan May, ""U know any domestic violence situation 9 outa 10 times the man gets arrested. That's the case here I was the victim but still got arrested. No matter what I say people are gonna think what they want."

He also used his Twitter account as a way of professing his innocence, "DON'T LET YOUR EARS WITNESS, WHAT YOUR EYES DIDN'T SEE!!!"

Barnes has yet to issue an official statement or form of public apology.

Move to Lakers, Concerns about Temper

ATLANTA - MAY 10:  Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks blocks a dunk by Matt Barnes #22 of the Orlando Magic during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 10, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER:
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Barnes, a seven-year pro who played his college ball at UCLA, opted to return to Los Angeles this summer when he signed a two-year, $3.6 million deal with the Lakers.

The competitive Barnes is known for being a tough player and a willing defender.  He is also known for having a short fuse.

Barnes reportedly slapped an opposing team's coach during a summer league game in San Francisco in early August and has never been afraid to display physical aggression on the NBA court.

Don't expect the NBA to hand down a suspension right away, but David Stern is certainly monitoring the situation closely.

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