Matt Barnes is denying allegations that he assaulted a woman at a New York City nightclub early Monday morning [December 5], and has shared details of the incident that reportedly suggest that if anyone was the victim of an attack, it was him.
According to remarks provided to TMZ by a Barnes representative, the Sacramento Kings veteran was out enjoying some leisure time with friends and teammates in the Avenue Nightclub VIP section, when he "butt bumped" a woman while making his way to his booth. It was at that point that a woman who had been sitting one booth over, turned and slapped Barnes in the face, he claims. Barnes says that he was then forced to defend himself, as a group of patrons who were in attendance with the woman began to get physical, at one point allegedly knocking him to the floor before an unidentified man proceeded to choke him.
Video of Barnes leaving the club along with teammate DeMarcus Cousins surfaced early Monday, to show Cousins rubbing his knuckles and recalling the confrontation. "Aye yo the n***a was trying to choke Matt. I hit the s**t out this n***a," Cousins could be heard saying. Reports immediately followed, of a woman who claimed to have been choked by Barnes. The NYPD would disclose that they were seeking Barnes for questioning in connection with the melee.
"We do not believe a crime was committed and are hopeful no charges will be pressed," Barnes lawyer, Alex Spiro is reported to have told TMZ.
Source: latimes.com
