Matt Barnes slapped an opposing assistant coach in the face. Why am I not really surprised? (Sports By Brooks)

Barnes engaged the referee into conversation directly in front of the opposing team’s Head Coach and Assistant Coach. While talking to the referee, Barnes begin to get heckled by SF City assistant head coach, Rick Lewis. Lewis was saying things like “stop your crying, you’re in the NBA, stop crying” and other remarks which were an attempt to antagonize and get under Barnes skin.

Barnes finally stepped towards Lewis and got in his face and they exchanged pleasantries, Barnes walked away but Lewis was still chirping so Barnes came back and got in his face at which point Barnes gave Lewis a slap on the face.

Now, it was more of a “lovetap” than anything malicious, he didn’t wind up or put force behind it. Soon as it happened, the referee’s came over, Barnes coaching staff ran over and the situation kind of fizzled itself out.

Interestingly enough, Barnes wasn’t ejected and was afforded the opportunity to finish out the game much to the dismay of Lewis and his team.

Look, I read this article wanting to tear Barnes apart. After all, what type of man slaps an opposing coach in the face? But I can’t do it. This coach just seems like an asshole. Any time an assistant coach screams at a player, “Stop your crying, you’re in the NBA, stop crying,” he should consider himself lucky if he doesn’t end up in the hospital. I’m telling you, Rick Lewis should kiss his rabbit’s foot that he only got a love tap.

It’s weird, but Matt Barnes slapped some dude in the face and it’s the dude who came away looking like a jackass. Damn it. I guess I’ll have to eagerly await my next opportunity to tear Barnes apart. Pause.

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