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NBA fines Matt Barnes $35,000 for comments condoning violence

Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes was suspended for two games earlier this season for an altercation with Knicks Coach Derek Fisher in the off-season.

Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes was suspended for two games earlier this season for an altercation with Knicks Coach Derek Fisher in the off-season.

(Brandon Dill / Associated Press)

The NBA has fined Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes $35,000 for making “inappropriate public comments” condoning violence.

The fine was announced Sunday, a day after Memphis beat the Knicks, 103-95, in the teams’ first meeting since the league suspended Barnes for two games for fighting with New York Coach Derek Fisher in October.

Kiki Vandeweghe, NBA vice president for basketball operations , says in a statement: “Matt Barnes’ comments condoning violence do not reflect who we are as a league or the character of our players. His words are unacceptable and entirely inconsistent with the core principles of this game and the NBA.”

According to the Commercial Appeal, Barnes said at the Grizzlies’ pregame shootaround: “Violence is never the answer, but sometimes it is.”

Barnes and Fisher stayed away from each other Saturday night.

Noah’s future with Bulls in question

Joakim Noah likely has played his last game this season. Now the question is whether the two-time All-Star has played his last game for the Chicago Bulls.

Noah dislocated his left shoulder Friday and will undergo surgery. The team estimates the recovery period at four to six months, which means his season is probably over.

The 30-year-old Noah also is in the final year of a five-year, $60-million contract and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Before the injury, there was talk the team would explore dealing the eight-year veteran before the trade deadline.

Noah was moved to a reserve role by new coach Fred Hoiberg this season. He has been bothered by a variety of injuries the past two years and struggled on the court when healthy this season. He never seemed to embrace his new role and is averaging a career-low 4.3 points and 8.8 rebounds in 21.9 minutes.