Matt Barnes didn’t have a good night on Monday.
The NBA veteran was reportedly arrested late Monday night on an outstanding traffic warrant, and for allegedly threatening a police officer in downtown Los Angles.
According to the Associated Press, Barnes was walking through a busy intersection when an officer approached Barnes on foot. The police officer was aware that Barnes had an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor traffic violation and when the officer attempted to arrest Barnes allegedly resisted and threatened the officer.
Police did not say what Barnes allegedly told the officer.
Barnes was released Monday after posting $51,000 bail, according to the Los Angeles Times. It’s been reported that Barnes owed $26,000 for the outstanding warrant for driving on a suspended license, but Barnes disputed that figure in a message on his Twitter account.
“Funny how a small situation turns into a ‘Urban Legend’.. A $26,000 traffic ticket?? Come on now smh.. Have a good night,” he said.
Barnes has spent the last two seasons with the Los Angles Lakers. Barnes is known as a hard working defender. He averaged 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season.
As a free agent that is not expected to re-sign with the Lakers, Barnes has put himself in a difficult situation. No teams have expressed substantial interest in the 32-year-old veteran swingman, according to reports.
This is not Barnes’s first run-in with the law either, although he was never formally charged with any offenses. Barnes was arrested for suspicion of domestic violence against then-girlfriend Gloria Govan.
His first court date is set for Oct. 1.
