Matt Barnes believes that many of the former athletes in the media overextended today's players in order to chase the clicks.
As a former athlete himself, Barnes advocated for more balance during an appearance on the Stephen A. Smith Show.
“I feel like there are former athletes who have crossed that line,” said Barnes. “And I don't feel like these guys can call their hometowns and say, 'Hey, what's going on,' or try to win a title.” We all have our inner sources, and for me, I've always valued that more than giving the network kind of what they're looking for. I feel like sometimes the networks want you to go that extra mile to get views and clicks. And I didn't look at it that way.
“When I was fortunate enough to work at ESPN – the three and a half, four plus years that I worked for – I was always satisfied in my position because I knew that I could give you depth. analysis from a player's point of view and throw some analysis in there. But I'm never willing to go out there and disrespect these guys because I know how hard it is to be in a position. Like, I was a role player for 15 years. I couldn't imagine what it's like, but I know more than the average pedestrian, what it's like to be one of these stars.”
Barnes bluntly stated that you can criticize a player without disrespecting him.
“So, I've never—I've always understood, not just in basketball, but across the board. I think we're in an era now where a lot of disdain is accepted instead of criticizing athletes, which it was. So, I don't know if it will ever go back.”
It was interesting that Barnes made a comment to Stephen A. Smith, considering the long-time ESPN personality has a long history of passionate players dating all the way back to his famous roast of Kwame Brown.
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