Matt Barnes Fined for Inappropriate Language Towards Fan: Details and Reaction

Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes is a little lighter in the wallet thanks to using inappropriate language directed at a fan. 

According to Brad Turner of The Los Angeles Times, the NBA has fined Barnes $25,000 stemming from his actions against Phoenix on January 25. 

This isn't the first incident involving Barnes swearing at a fan this year. He was previously fined the same amount of money in December for yelling an obscenity into the crowd in a game against Washington, though that one also included kicking a water bottle into the stands. 

Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times speculated about who Barnes may have been directing his anger towards:

After this second fine was announced, Barnes took to Twitter to voice his displeasure and share his side of the story, as well as who he believes instigated the incident:

Arash Markazi of ESPN later provided more comments from Barnes, who spoke about his relationship with Sarver:

Marc Stein of ESPN passed along comment from a league spokesman, who confirmed that Barnes was not fined for his interaction with the Suns owner.

Whatever the case may be, Barnes is still going to be docked $25,000 for what happened. He may not feel he started it, but past incidents aren't going to help his case. It also doesn't help that he's acknowledging anyone in the stands. 

The 34-year-old Barnes is having a solid season with 9.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He's grown into a bigger role with the Clippers this year, starting 41 out of 43 games he's appeared in after being primarily a bench player the previous two seasons. 

As long as Barnes can keep his head on straight and not get rattled by what's happening in the stands, he should continue to post solid numbers for one of the best teams in the Western Conference.