Matt Barnes Apologizes For Defending Ime Udoka: "This Situation Is Deep"

BY Erika Marie 6.9K Views
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He defended the Celtics coach, but after learning more about the situation, Barnes says "it's a hundred times uglier" than thought.

Sports fans have been waiting on pins and needles for more information to be released about Ime Udoka. The huge scandal out of the NBA right now involves the shamed Boston Celtics coach who has reportedly been suspended following an investigation into his dealings with a female staffer. It was stated that Udoka, who has been in a relationship with actress Nia Long for 12 years, carried on a consensual affair with the woman. This information alone caused several in the industry to come to his defense, including Matt Barnes.

The former NBA star shared a video where he called out the league for handing down a harsh punishment for inappropriate, personal relationships. He stated that there were many people who have done the same, from coaches to team owners to cheerleaders to ball players.

Andy Lyons / Staff / Getty Images

However, there are some who have inside information as to the extensive investigation into Udoka's behavior, and it has been suggested that the public is not aware of everything that has gone on. Barnes apparently has learned more about the situation because he has returned to social media to backtrack his previous remarks.

"I clearly have to say, last night, without knowing all the facts, I spoke on Ime Udoka's defense and after finding out the facts after I spoke, I erased what I posted because this situation in Boston is deep," he said. "It's messy. It's a hundred times uglier than any of us thought and that's why I erased what I said."

He added: "Some things happened that I can't condone, I can't back and it's not my place to tell you what happened. If it ends up coming out, it ends up coming out. But that was the reason why I erased my post last night." Barnes added that after his previous post went viral, someone phoned him with details to set the record straight.

Check out Barnes speaking about the controversy below.



About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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