Imagine pouring your heart into a game your whole life—only to be told you can’t cheer from the bleachers when your own kids take the court. That was the reality for Matt Barnes, whose trademark fire once got him banned from his sons’ games. The man spilled it on All The Smoke: “I’ve had the punishment that Haliburton’s dad has had… I couldn’t go to Harvard-Westlake this year because of s*** that happened last season… they gave me a year suspension from Harvard-Westlake.” Classic Matt Barnes, laughing about it but low-key pissed. During a game against Harvard-Westlake, one of his sons got hit with a technical. And Matt? Being Matt, he lost it on the refs. And again, something similar happened.
Matt Barnes’ twin sons were playing for the Paul George Elite grassroots team when a controversial no-call decided the game. An opponent traveled, but the refs let it go, and Barnes’ team ended up losing. Instead of staying quiet, the twins took to social media, reposting the clip of the missed call with clear frustration. No big outburst, just letting the video speak for itself. Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree after all. Matt Barnes raised them to speak their mind, whether it’s on the court or the Gram.
As soon as the video clip was posted on Paul George Elite’s Instagram handle, the brothers took their handles out and fired. At the same moment, the twins reposted it. Zaybarnes30 captioned the story as “This might be the craziest no-call ever. And we lost off this.” His frustration was clear even through the screen. Maybe if the team hadn’t lost, the reaction would not be this loud, but it wasn’t the case this time. A few seconds later, Carterbarnes35 posted the clip on his story. He captioned it: “That’s how we lose (weeping emoji).”
However, his lack of physical presence did not stop him from commenting on the video clip. He wrote, “That’s a fuckn travel .” His frustration and disappointment in the referee’s decision were evident. This is what Matte’s known for, right? His no-BS approach. He is, after all, just a father who is angry over his sons losing “unfairly.”
Both brothers made their stance clear that it was unfair of the referee not to call it out, and their team didn’t deserve to lose. If you think these were the most fiery reactions to what happened, you might be wrong. To referee’s fortune, Matt Barnes wasn’t present on the court at that moment, otherwise he would’ve brutally called it out and let it go with some comments.
Conditions imposed on Matt Barnes’ twins
Matt Barnes and Gloria Govan’s twins, Isaiah and Carter, may be rising basketball stars, but their future isn’t entirely their own to decide. The 16-year-olds recently revealed that their parents have one non-negotiable rule: they must stay together. Through high school, college, and even into the pros. During a Sportsing podcast, the twins made it clear they don’t have much say in the matter. “Do we have a choice? I don’t think,” one of them admitted.
They clarified: “Both parents just don’t want us to split up, and we’re better together anyway, like it’s fine.” For now, that means playing side by side at Crespi Carmelite High School—under the coaching of their stepfather, Derek Fisher, and eventually taking their talents to the same college. The twins’ bond is undeniable. After a rare week apart, their reunion was captured in a heartfelt moment by Matt, showing just how much they rely on each other.
“Missed you, man,” one whispered as they embraced. Carter even joked about how unbearable separation is for him: “I’ve gone through it before, like he got sick and I was apart from him for like a week. 10 days, really, I don’t like this. This don’t suit me, bro, who am I supposed to mess with?” That closeness has only strengthened their game. Both were recently named to the 2025 Mission League Boys Basketball All-League Second Team. And it’s a big reason their parents refuse to let them take separate paths.
But basketball isn’t their only priority. Gloria has enforced a strict “no grades, no sports” policy to ensure academics don’t fall by the wayside. “She says no grades, no sports. So grades come first,” Isaiah explained. The twins have embraced the balance, even finding unexpected enjoyment in subjects like Bible and Theology. “You get to learn about Jesus and things. […] I so like my teacher. Classmates? Meh. Teacher? Yes!” one shared.
With a Division I offer already on the table from the University of San Diego, their future looks bright. As long as they stick together. Whether it’s their parents’ rule or their own preference, Isaiah and Carter seem content with the arrangement. After all, as Carter put it, “We’re better together anyway.” And for now, that’s not up for debate.
The post Once Banned From Sons’ Games, Matt Barnes’ Temper Flares as Twins Suffer Unfair Call appeared first on EssentiallySports.
