NBA Player Matt Barnes Arrested, Charged With Resisting Arrest

Matt Barnes may not find himself with a new NBA home when the 2012-2013 season begins. Currently a free agent Barnes is one of the NBA’s “tough guys” but after two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers his run in with police this week and resulting arrest could land him in the hot seat and ultimately unemployed.

Manhattan Beach police arrested Matt Barnes on Monday night after he was stopped for what should have been a routine traffic violation and then allegedly became hostile towards the arresting officer.

The arrest occurred 20 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles where Manhattan Beach police Lt. Steve Tobias revealed that the NBA player was walking down a busy thoroughfare when he was stopped and then threatened an officer.

CBS Los Angeles revealed that Barnes was already wanted on a warrant for driving on a suspended license.

After being booked the NBA player was released on $51,000 bail.

Barnes wasn’t exactly an all-star for the Lakers in 2011-2012, averaging just 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 22.9 minutes per game.

If Matt Barnes’ character is brought into question he could find himself on the unwelcomed end of a court battle, he is best known for trash talking the opposition and picking fights. While playing in the California pro-am Barnes was suspended after he punched a fellow opponent in the face.

The Los Angeles Times already noted on July 10 that the Los Angeles Lakers were not planning to re-sign Matt Barnes to a new contract.

Barnes has spent time in the NBA with the Clippers, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic and the Lakers, almost one team for each of his nine seasons.