NBA star Matt Barnes demanded $276k in child support by ex-wife 8 years after divorce

Matt Barnes is host of the popular podcast "All the Smoke" that also features Stephen Jackson.

NBA star Matt Barnes demanded $276k in child support by ex-wife 8 years after divorce

Matt Barnes and ex-wife Gloria Govan (via BET)

The spotlight is currently on former NBA basketball player Matt Barnes due to an allegation made by his ex-wife, Gloria Govan. The two tied the knot in 2012 but chose to part ways less than two years into their marriage. Their divorce was officially finalized in 2016.

According to RADAR, Gloria has taken her ex-husband to court, alleging unpaid child support. Additionally, she accused him of violating an agreement they made concerning their teenage sons during an episode of his podcast show, All The Smoke. She claimed that Barnes had stopped paying the court-mandated child support amount.

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Presently, Derek Fisher, another former basketball player and Barnes’ former teammate, is Gloria’s husband. Nevertheless, she highlights financial challenges, citing a monthly income of less than $3000 and an urgent need for money. In the initial divorce settlement, Barnes pledged to provide $20,000 in child support, with an understanding to decrease the amount upon his retirement from the league. However, she asserts that Barnes has not been keeping up his end of the deal.

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I have tried to settle this matter with [Barnes]. His counteroffer made it clear he is not living in reality. Furthermore, he has refused to pay the court-ordered support, even though we have already had litigation and he is well aware that there is no agreement to reduce support.
Gloria Govan in a statement

Gloria has initiated a new motion in court, urging the court to sanction an additional $25k, in addition to the alleged outstanding back support of $267k, to address her legal expenses. Conversely, Barnes contends that Gloria lacks transparency about her finances, pointing to support from her husband, Fisher. At the time of this news report, Barnes has not responded to his ex-wife’s recent court motion.

Matt Barnes’ NBA career in perspective

Apart from his marital and legal challenges, Matt Barnes had a 14-season career in the NBA, having been drafted in the second round of the 2002 NBA draft as the 46th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies. Subsequently, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers and assigned to the NBA D-League.

Matt Barnes with the Grizzlies
Matt Barnes with the Grizzlies (via Bleacher Report)

Transitioning through various NBA teams, he adeptly navigated his journey. Along the way, he played for the Los Angeles Clippers (2004), the Sacramento Kings (2004-2005), and the New York Knicks (2005). Subsequently, he contributed to the Philadelphia 76ers (2005-2006), the Golden State Warriors (2006-2008), and the Phoenix Suns (2008-2009).

His path continued with the Orlando Magic (2009-2010) and the Los Angeles Lakers (2010-2012). Making a comeback to the Clippers (2012-2015), he then joined the Memphis Grizzlies (2015-2016) and made a return to Sacramento (2016-2017). His journey concluded with a final stint with the Warriors (2017). Notably, he achieved his first championship after 14 seasons in the NBA and 16 years in professional basketball during his triumphant return to the Warriors.

On December 11, 2017, Barnes formally announced his retirement from the NBA. Across his career spanning 929 games, he consistently held averages of 6.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Currently, he serves as an analyst for both ESPN and NBC Sports California. His expertise becomes evident, particularly when providing insights during Sacramento Kings games.

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