In a highly charged encounter between the Crespi Carmelite Celts and the Harvard-Westlake Wolverines, NBA veteran Matt Barnes found himself under scrutiny.
The incident unfolded away from the spotlight of the court, focusing instead on the sidelines. The video of Barnes with his hand on the shoulder of a student announcer became a talking point on social media.
Matt Barnes attended his son’s high school basketball game and made himself a story by allegedly jawing with the refs and a student announcer. ⤵️https://t.co/gSxERIdBSL
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 6, 2024
Matt Barnes, the proud father of a Crespi Carmelite Celts player and now coached by Derek Fisher, was in attendance.
His presence, as usual, was bound to generate some attention, but the weekend game went beyond ordinary curiosity.
Social media was abuzz with a video clip that surfaced, seemingly showing Barnes engaging in an unexpected and somewhat aggressive exchange with play-by-play student announcer Jake Lancer.
The clip was shared without context. That, however, didn’t stop it from becoming a subject of wide debate and speculation.
The Los Angeles Times reported on the incident, claiming that Barnes had put his hands on Lancer to get his attention, thus momentarily delaying the game.
“started engaging student announcer Jake Lancer during the school’s live stream broadcast by putting his hands on Lancer to get his attention, briefly delaying the game.”
The newspaper explained on the interaction, inferring that Barnes was perhaps trying to intimidate Lancer.
Bill Simmons, a renowned basketball analyst, expressed his surprise at why the incident wasn’t making bigger headlines, increasing the incident’s conspiracy.
Kinda thought this would become a bigger story. https://t.co/jr52xa30FV pic.twitter.com/bpN6vusR8w
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 3, 2024
During the live broadcast, Lancer shared his experience with the audience, describing Barnes as berating the referees and earning himself a technical foul.
He also mentioned an odd occurrence, where Barnes approached him and physically made contact.
Lancer then adds, “Matt Barnes kinda came up to and just put his hands on me actually. So, I mean I’m all good. But. It’s kind of I don’t know.”
This is blatant disinformation. Jake Lancer is one of the most professional people I’ve ever worked with in broadcast or journalism. He did not say “shut up.” Here are videos of what he said immediately before and after the altercation. @Tarek_Fattal @latsondheimer https://t.co/QXwlfP0cOU pic.twitter.com/OUSedsNEEX
— Julian Andreone (@JulianAndreone) February 3, 2024
The incident became clearer as freelance prep basketball writer Jack Pollon shared a quote from Lancer.
It provided more comprehensive details about what Barnes allegedly said to him when the NBA star approached him on the sidelines.
“This guy was on the court mid-game multiple times screaming ridiculous stuff at the refs and everyone, including myself was looking at him,” Lancer said via Pollon. “We made eye contact and that was enough for him to come up to me and grip my shoulder with his hand.
“He said, ‘What do you think you’re looking at?’ And I said, ‘You’re screaming, “You’re a (term for a female private part)” to the refs mid game while I’m trying to announce, don’t touch me.’ And then he said ‘I’ll slap the s*** out of you,’” Lancer said.
Just got my hands put on at a high school basketball game! Not ok! https://t.co/u05NreP06I
— Jake Lancer (@jakelancer_) February 3, 2024
In response to the escalating situation, Barnes took to Twitter to offer his side of the story. Claiming that he was engaging with the referee, not Lancer.
Barnes seemingly inferred to the announcer was “the kid” who had tried to say something provocative.
However, the video circulating on social media appears to contradict Barnes’ account. It showcases Barnes and Lancer’s interaction on the sidelines in clear view, adding more fuel to the fire.
What you all are failing to report is Barnes going up to our broadcaster, a high school senior, grabbing his shoulder while questioning what he’s saying on the livestream after he calls the ref a B**** multiple times because his son got a tech.
— Jessica Oliva (@jpoliva626) February 3, 2024
