Stephen Jackson Responds to Kwame Brown: 'Be Mad at Yo Self...Don't Make It Personal'
May 18, 2021
BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 12: Stephen Jackson #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on against the Brooklyn Nets on December 12, 2013 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Former NBA star Stephen Jackson responded to Kwame Brown after the 2001 No. 1 overall pick targeted Jackson, Matt Barnes and Gilbert Arenas in a recent Instagram video(warning: contains sexist and racial language).
Jackson said Tuesday that Brown "should be mad at yourself" for an NBA career that was largely disappointing and admonished the former Washington Wizards forward for making things personal (warning: contains profanity).
The situation started after Arenas was a guest on Barnes and Jackson's All The Smoke podcast. Brown, who was briefly teammates with Arenas on the Wizards, came up during the discussion, and the three-time All-Star point guard said Michael Jordan was partially to blame for how poorly Brown adjusted to the NBA (via the New York Post's Jenna Lemoncelli):
Imagine being an 18-year-old kid getting drafted No. 1 by your idol and your idol is Michael Jordan. ... We know Michael Jordan’s personality. Imagine that personality going towards a 18-year-old kid, just bullying him. ... When you’re making [Brown] look little to his peers, he loses his confidence. So when I get there, he doesn’t have confidence. So, it’s trying to build this man-child up. ... I call him a show pony, he’s a show horse.
As Brown offered a rebuttal, Barnes echoed Jackson's comments and thought his frustration was misplaced.
Brown spent four seasons in Washington before a move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005. Altogether, he spent 12 years in the NBA with seven different teams. According to Basketball Reference, he also pulled down nearly $64 million in career earnings during his time in the league.
Still, the discourse around the 39-year-old is almost exclusively about where he ranks among the NBA's biggest draft busts, so it's not entirely surprising that would eventually wear on him.
Ex-Laker Kwame Brown Calls Out Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe in NSFW IG Video
May 18, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 26: Kwame Brown #54 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays against the Washington Wizards on December 26, 2005 at the MCI Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Former NBA forward Kwame Brown discussed ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and Fox Sports' Shannon Sharpe and Skip
Bayless in a profanity-laced tirade Tuesday on Instagram Live.
Here's the full video (WARNING:
LANGUAGE NSFW):
Kwame Brown goes on IG live and had some words for Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless 👀 pic.twitter.com/MFN7rraYne
Brown, the first overall pick in the
2001 NBA draft, has returned to the spotlight in recent days after
taking offense to comments made by Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes and
Gilbert Arenas about him on the All The Smoke podcast last week.
TMZ noted the 39-year-old South
Carolina native posted a reply to the remarks on Instagram and also
streamed an hour-long response on YouTube. (All videos NSFW)
Brown's defense attracted the attention
of the daily debate shows on ESPN and Fox Sports in recent days, which led
to the latest post from the former top pick aimed at Smith, Sharpe and Bayless.
The Washington
Wizards selected Brown straight out of Glynn Academy in Georgia before the NBA
required a one-year gap between high school and the draft. He was a
solid player, averaging 10.9 points and 7.4 rebounds during the
2003-04 season, but he never lived up to the expectations of a No. 1
pick.
Brown went on to play for the Los
Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte
Bobcats, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers during his 12-year NBA career.
He last played in the NBA in 2013, and he more
recently appeared in the BIG3 three-on-three league.
Brown averaged 6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds across 607 career NBA games.
Former NBA Star Matt Barnes Lands Semi-Autobiographical Comedy Series with Showtime
May 18, 2021
Sacramento Kings forward Matt Barnes squats after his inbound pass to teammate DeMarcus Cousins was stolen by Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade who went for a breakaway stuff during the closing moments of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. The Bulls won 112-107. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Former NBA player Matt Barnes is going to executive-produce a television series inspired by his life.
Per Denise Petski of Deadline.com, Showtime is developing the half-hour scripted comedy titled The Education of Matt Barnes.
The series was created by Matt Pyken, who previously worked on Empire, Mr. Robot and Castle.
Here is the official description of the series from Petski:
"Created and written by Pyken, The Education of Matt Barnes is a look at Barnes' real life after 14 years in the NBA–and his journey to the stardom he never achieved on the hardwood. It's the story of how a single dad from Encino balances home, business, activism and relationships while navigating the temptations of the celebrity-centric, Instagram and TikTok universe of LA."
Barnes carved out a long career in the NBA after being a second-round draft pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2002. He spent time in the National Basketball Developmental League and ABA before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2004.
The UCLA alum played for nine different teams in his 14-year career. He won an NBA title during his final season with the Golden State Warriors in 2016-17.
Barnes and Stephen Jackson launched the All the Smoke videopodcast in 2019 that currently airs on Showtime.
Kwame Brown to Gilbert Arenas, Stephen Jackson: 'You Don't Play with a Grown-Ass Man'
May 17, 2021
FILE - In this May 3, 2006 file photo, Los Angeles Lakers' Kwame Brown speaks to the media during a team practice in El Segundo, Calif. For every Hall of Fame-level big man like Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson, Tim Duncan and Hakeem Olajuwon, there's a Pervis Ellison, Michael Olowokandi, Kwame Brown and Greg Oden to serve as a cautionary tale.(AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
Kwame Brown isn't happy with Gilbert Arenas, Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes.
After that trio had a conversation about the former Washington Wizards big man on their All The Smoke podcast, he responded with a video on Instagram(warning: contains sexist and racial language).
I'mma give you feminine n---as what you been asking for. You n---as been talkin' a lot, saying a lot of things you don't know what the f--k you talkin' about.
Y'all get on the internet and y'all report things that make no goddamn sense. I grew up in an era where you don't play with grown-ass men and I think both of you two gentlemen know, personally, that I'm a grown-ass man.
TMZ noted Arenas called Brown a "man child" and a "show pony" on the podcast when talking about how he never lived up to expectations on the court.
Barnes also responded to the situation during an appearance on ESPN's The Jump.
"I was just confused, I didn't really know what happened, I didn't know where it came from," Barnes said. "I get where he's coming from, he's kind of been the butt of jokes, coming into the league and not being able to live up to that No. 1 potential. If you want to be mad at anyone, be mad at MJ for picking you No. 1."
MJ was in reference to Michael Jordan, who was in the Wizards' front office when the team selected Brown with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2001 NBA draft.
Jackson also replied to Brown's video on Instagram and said he wished him nothing but the best.
Brown played 12 seasons in the NBA for the Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers.
He averaged 6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and is widely regarded as a bust given his status as a No. 1 pick.
Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh and Full 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame Class Revealed
May 16, 2021
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat and Paul Pierce #34 of the Brooklyn Nets battle for the ball during their game at the Barclays Center on January 10, 2014 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The latest inductees to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame have been revealed.
2021 Basketball Hall of Fame Class: Players: Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh, Chris Webber, Ben Wallace; Coaches: Rick Adelman, Jay Wright, Bill Russell. WNBA: Yolanda Griffith, Lauren Jackson.
The class of 2021 was revealed a day after the class of 2020 was inducted. The ceremonies for both classes were moved from the hall itself, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, per the Associated Press.
The 2021 class was selected from 14 finalists.
Pierce and Bosh were selected to the Hall as first-time finalists. Pierce, the 10-time All-Star and 2008 Finals MVP with the Boston Celtics, and Bosh, a two-time champion and 11-time All-Star, headline a group that also includes five-time All-NBA selection Chris Webber and four-time Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace, both of whom had been on the ballot in the past.
Words cannot express my gratitude to everyone who has been on this journey with me. Basketball has been one of the greatest gifts allotted to me in this life. This honor is my legacy. Thank you @Hoophall, @nba + to every one of you that has supported me throughout my career. ☝🏿 pic.twitter.com/iH2UW87drv
Toni Kukoc, who won three NBA championships and was a three-time EuroLeague champion, was chosen by the Hall of Fame's International Committee.
Russell, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1975, was honored for his legendary coaching career. He was the first Black head coach in the NBA and continued to blaze the trail by becoming the first Black head coach to win a title (with the Boston Celtics in 1967-68).
Yolanda Griffith, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Lauren Jackson, a two-time champion and three-time MVP, will represent the WNBA in the class of 2021.
The class also includes a number of contributors and inductees in other categories:
2021 Basketball Hall of Fame Class: Contributors: Val Ackerman, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Howard Garfinkel; Veteran’s Committee: Bob Dandridge; Women’s Veteran Committee: Pearl Moore; Early African-American Pioneers: Clarence Jenkins. https://t.co/w5izDnJpJa
Val Ackerman, the WNBA's founding president and the first female president of USA Basketball, headlines the group of contributors inducted with the class of 2021, while Clarence Jenkins was posthumously recognized as an Early African-American Pioneer.
Recognized posthumously is Clarence “Fats” Jenkins, captain of the legendary New York Rens, 8-time Colored Basketball World Champion in the 1920’s and 30’s, and #21HoopClass honoree. pic.twitter.com/yBsm8xASUn
The class of 2020 was punctuated by the enshrinement of the late Kobe Bryant as well as Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, among others.
Chris Webber Reportedly Elected to 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame Class
May 16, 2021
SPRINGFIELD, MA - SEPTEMBER 6: Spencer Haywood and Chris Webber talk during the 2019 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on September 6, 2019 at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Former NBA forward Chris Webber, whose basketball resume includes stints guiding the University of Michigan's famed "Fab Five" teams and the 2001-02 Sacramento Kings to great heights, will reportedly be named a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2021.
Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated broke the news early Sunday morning:
Former NBA star Chris Webber has finally been elected to the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, several sources told @TheUndefeated. C-Webb will be announced as a member of Class of 2021 in Springfield, Mass., tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Onm6jYoRzx
Webber was a five-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA player and the 1993-94 Rookie of the Year during an NBA career that spanned from 1993 to 2008.
As a pro, he's best known for his work on the Kings, particularly during the 2001-02 season. Webber helped propel the Kings to an NBA-best 61-21 record thanks to 24.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
Sacramento faced the defending back-to-back NBA champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the 2002 Western Conference Finals, but the Kings lost to L.A. in a hard-fought and controversial seven-game series.
Webber never made the NBA Finals, but he excelled during a fantastic 15-year career, averaging 20.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
He was also the centerpiece of the legendary Fab Five, the five-man crew that formed the core of the 1991-92 and 1992-93 Michigan Wolverines men's hoops teams.
Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson and Jimmy King propelled Michigan to back-to-back national championship appearances.
The Detroit native left Michigan after two years to join the NBA.
The Orlando Magic selected him first overall in the 1993 NBA draft, but he was traded to the Golden State Warriors before his career began.
He played for the Dubs (two stints), Washington Bullets/Wizards, Kings, Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons.
The 2021 Hall of Fame class also includes former Pistons center Ben Wallace and former Boston Celtics shooting guard Paul Pierce, according to Spears and the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn.
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - MAY 15: Vanessa Bryant speaks on behalf of Class of 2020 inductee, Kobe Bryant alongside presenter Michael Jordan during the 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 15, 2021 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Kobe Bryant tragically died in a California helicopter crash on Jan 26, 2020. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Vanessa Bryant delivered a stirring, emotional and powerful speech to present her late husband, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, for enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The entire 12-minute speech can be found below:
Bryant presented her husband alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan. She covered numerous topics, including the significant physical toll he endured to play through pain:
There were moments of levity, like when Vanessa Bryant imagined how Kobe Bryant would act at the ceremony:
Vanessa Bryant on Kobe watching her hall of fame speech from Heaven: “I can see him now with arms folded with a huge grin saying, ‘Isn’t this some shit.’”😂 pic.twitter.com/87Kj4N5vJv
There were also many emotional moments, like when Vanessa Bryant mentioned how her late daughter, Gianna, would react upon seeing her father enshrined.
"Gigi would be so proud to watch her daddy get enshrined into the basketball Hall of Fame" - Vanessa Bryant
"You did it. You're in the Hall of Fame now. You're a true champ. You're not just an MVP. You're an all-time great. I'm so proud of you. I love you forever and always. Kobe Bean Bryant."
Kobe Bryant was one of nine new members inducted into the Hall of Fame class of 2020 on Saturday.
His career included 18 All-Star Game appearances, five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, 15 All-NBA team nods, the 2007-08 regular-season NBA MVP and many more accolades.
Top Moments from Kobe, KG, Duncan and 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
May 16, 2021
Kevin Garnett puts his hand on his heart during a speech during the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony, Saturday, May 15, 2021, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The much-anticipated class of 2020 was finally enshrined in a ceremony at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Boasting arguably the most star-studded enshrinees in history, the nine-person class was headlined by Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. They were joined by Tamika Catchings, Eddie Sutton, Rudy Tomjanovich, Kim Mulkey, Barbara Stevens and Patrick Baumann.
All eyes were going to be on Bryant in this ceremony. The Los Angeles Lakers icon was voted into the Hall of Fame two months after his death in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.
Bryant's widow, Vanessa, took the stage to speak on his behalf.
“There will never be anyone like Kobe," Vanessa said. "He was one of a kind. ... Kobe’s personal stats speak for themself. Kobe never took shortcuts when it came to basketball."
“Congratulations baby, all of your hard work and dedication paid off. You did it, you are in the Hall of Fame now.” - Vanessa Bryant #20HoopClass
Natalia Bryant, Kobe and Vanessa's oldest daughter, wore her father's Hall of Fame jacket and ring as part of the ceremony ahead of the enshrinement:
Natalia Bryant wears her father Kobe Bryant’s Hall of Fame jacket and ring received in a ceremony ahead of this weekend’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony where Kobe will be posthumously honoured 🕊🤍 https://t.co/QrkjTcuezdpic.twitter.com/26T3Q7u40F
Known for his stoic demeanor on the basketball court, Duncan allowed himself to open up while delivering his speech. The San Antonio Spurs legend started by paying tribute to his parents:
"My mom and my dad...a combined zero basketball knowledge. But they taught me more about the game than anyone else. " - Tim Duncan #20HoopClasspic.twitter.com/nU1hUNyG6O
After Garnett's tribute during his speech, Duncan returned the favor in honoring his fellow superstars and the teammates who helped him achieve so much success:
“You are at your best when you face the best. Thank you to the late Kobe Bryant and KG. You brought the best out of me.” - Tim Duncan #20HoopClass
Stevens is one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. She retired in June at the age of 66 after a 43-year career that included a 34-season stint at Bentley in Division II.
In 2018, Stevens became the fifth coach in college basketball history to reach the 1,000-win mark. She was named the Women's Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year award five times and the 2013-14 Division II national title.
“My greatest honor was you called me coach. You excelled on the court, in the classroom and community. I share this incredible honor with all of you.” - Barbara Stevens #20HoopClass
“Thank you to the Hall of Fame for recognizing there are successful coaches at every level and acknowledging me as one of them.” - Barbara Stevens #20HoopClass
Sutton went 806-239 in 37 seasons as a head coach at five different schools. He became the first coach to lead four different programs to the NCAA tournament. The Oklahoma State alum went to the Final Four three different times, including twice at his alma mater in 1995 and 2004.
One month after the Hall of Fame announcement last year, Sutton died at the age of 84 on May 23. His son, Sean Sutton, spoke on his father's behalf at the ceremony.
“My dad loved every coaching stop from Tulsa Central High School to Oklahoma State. ... My dad’s life had hills and valleys. He did not run from it. He faced it head on," Sutton said.
After one of the greatest careers of any player in WNBA history, Catchings joined the ranks of basketball's immortals on Saturday. The Indiana Fever legend was named an All-Star in 10 of her 15 seasons, was named MVP in 2011 and Finals MVP in 2012.
Catchings used her speech to share a story about how she found her way by playing basketball.
Tamika Catchings ... wow.
"Basketball chose me, an awkward, lanky, introverted tomboy, born with a hearing disability, a speech impediment, and a will to overcome obstacles, dream big and to change the world."
Like Bryant and Sutton, Baumann was a posthumous inductee in this year's class. He died from a heart attack in 2018 at the age of 51.
From 1994 until his death, Baumann worked as a FIBA executive. He was promoted to secretary general of the organization in 2003 and helped grow the sport's youth sector and helped launch 3x3 basketball.
Tomjanovich's name was synonymous with Houston Rockets basketball for 34 seasons between his time as a player and coach. He was originally drafted by the franchise in 1971 when they were still based in San Diego.
"As a young boy...I dreamed of one day getting to the NBA.
After today, I can say that my life turned out better than my wildest dreams."
After an 11-year playing career that included five All-Star appearances, Tomjanovich transitioned into the coaching ranks. He spent 10 seasons as an assistant under Bill Fitch and Don Chaney, the Michigan alum was named head coach in February 1992.
Tomjanovich is the Rockets' all-time leader with 503 wins and 51 playoff victories. He led the franchise to back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995.
“I owe so much to the game of basketball, it has given me a very rich life. It has given me great relationship and memories.” - Rudy Tomjanovich #20HoopClass
Mulkey, who is getting settled in her new job as LSU women's basketball head coach after 21 seasons at Baylor, has long been regarded as one of the best college coaches.
Prior to Mulkey's hiring in 2000, the Bears never made the NCAA women's tournament. They made the tournament 18 times during her run, winning three national titles and becoming the first men's or women's team to finish a season 40-0 when they did it in 2011-12.
“All of us being honored tonight understand we are only here because of one of life’s greatest honors. We get the credit when it should be shared with so many others.” - Kim Mulkey #20HoopClass
“No coach stands here without great players. They believed in me, embraced me and allowed me to push them beyond where they thought they could go.” - Kim Mulkey #20HoopClass
Bryant, Duncan and Garnett were three of the biggest stars of their generation. They combined to win 11 championships during their playing days.
Catchings, Mulkey and Stevens have been instrumental in raising the profile of women's basketball around the world.
Sutton and Tomjanovich have resumes that can match any coach from their eras. Baumann helped transform basketball into a global game that is played professionally in 213 countries around the world.
Even though it took longer than expected to hold the ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 class finally got its much-deserved moment of glory.
Kevin Garnett: Kobe Bryant Not Being at Hall of Fame Ceremony Will Be Super Emotional
May 14, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Garnett #21 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talk with each other before the game on October 28, 2015 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kevin Garnett has spoken about his feelings ahead of Saturday's Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
In a conversation with Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Garnett said Kobe Bryant not being there "is going to be super emotional for everybody."
Kevin Garnett on entering Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame @Hoophall on Saturday with Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan: "Not having Kob’ is going to affect everybody ... Kobe not being there is going to be super emotional for everybody." pic.twitter.com/tAhvE2YJMk
Bryant, Garnett and Tim Duncan were among the nine-member Hall of Fame class of 2020.
Their induction ceremony was originally going to be held on Aug. 20, 2020, but it was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ceremony is now scheduled to be held on Saturday at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Bryant died two months before the 2020 Hall of Fame class was announced. He was among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Jan. 26, 2020.
The Hall of Fame announced last month that Michael Jordan will present Bryant at the ceremony. Charania added that Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, will speak in honor of her husband.
Bryant tweeted about Garnett after he announced his retirement from the NBA in Sept. 2016:
I loved every minute I competed against you. A true warrior #ticket#KG
"Kobe was one of my dear friends," Garnett said during a February appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (h/t Jason Duaine Hahn of People).
Garnett and Bryant had a friendly rivalry on the court. They played a total of 76 games against each other between the regular season and playoffs. Bryant had a 45-31 edge, but they split their two head-to-head meetings in the NBA Finals.
Matt Barnes Would Consider Boxing Match vs. Chad Johnson If the 'Money Was Right'
May 6, 2021
CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 15: NBA legend Matt Barnes addresses the media during Practice and Media Availability presented by AT&T as part of 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 15, 2020 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Chad Johnson may have found an opponent to join him on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Logan Paul's celebrity boxing match in June, as long as the money is right.
Former NBA star Matt Barnes told TMZ Sports he would consider stepping in against the former longtime Cincinnati Bengals wideout. He's just not going to do it on the cheap.
"I do box, but to be honest with you, like, it's not something that I really want to jump into, to be honest with you," Barnes said. "I mean, like, to me, I'm kind of past that stage of my life. But, you know, like I said, if it ever came across and the money was right, I'd consider it."
Barnes, 41, certainly isn't afraid of confrontation.
Throughout his 14-year career in the NBA, the small forward racked up $414,276 in fines including three fights or near fights.
Johnson, 43, has attempted a wide range of athletic endeavors since retiring from football in 2017. Aside from boxing, the receiver has appeared at WWE events, competed on Dancing with the Stars, hosted a reality TV show called The Ultimate Catch, attempted Professional Bull Riding and tried his hand at soccer with Sporting Kansas City.
It's unclear how much money Barnes would need to step in the ring against Johnson, but there at least seems to be a conversation to be had between the two.
