Los Angeles Lakers Matt Barnes arrested on domestic violence charge
Sacramento County Authorities report that Los Angeles Lakers guard Matt Barnes was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of domestic violence.
On Wednesday afternoon deputies were dispatched to the Barnes home after receiving an incomplete 911 call from the residence. Reports indicate that the brief call included the sound of a struggle before being disconnected.
Upon arriving at the home, deputies noted that both Barnes and the woman involved had visible injuries. Barnes was taken into custody after deputies decided that he had been the aggressor in the incident.
The identity of the woman was not released. She was described as “a woman who lived with him and with whom he had a dating relationship.”
Barnes was booked on felony charges of domestic violence as well as maliciously obstructing the use of a telephone line. Barnes received the latter charge due to the fact that he allegedly attempted to prevent the woman from speaking to 911 operators.
Barnes was released on $50,000 bail. After his release he posted on Twitter, “Don’t let your ears witness, what your eyes didn’t see!!!”
Barnes also responded to a question sent via Twitter from reporter Bryan May with, “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…”
This is not the first incident for Barnes this summer. While playing in a summer league game Barnes got into an argument with a coach from the opposing team. After the two exchanged words, Barnes slapped the coach.
In July Barnes signed a two-year contract worth $3.6 million with the Los Angeles Lakers. Before signing the Lakers deal, the well-traveled player had suited up for seven other NBA teams in his seven-year career.
Barnes is scheduled in court on Monday for arraignment.
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