Matt Barnes & Gloria Govan: The NBA Love Triangle That Ended in a Fistfight
A 95-mile road trip, a fistfight with a former teammate, and a father who won sole custody of his twins.
Key Facts
What Happened
Matt Barnes and Gloria Govan's divorce became one of the most dramatic in NBA history, largely because of the love triangle involving Barnes's former teammate and close friend Derek Fisher. Barnes and Govan married in 2013 after dating since 2006 and had twin sons, Carter and Isaiah. When the marriage fell apart in 2015, Barnes discovered that Govan was dating Fisher, who was then head coach of the New York Knicks and had been a teammate and close friend of Barnes.
In October 2015, Barnes drove 95 miles from Santa Barbara to Govan's home in Redondo Beach after learning Fisher was there with his children. The confrontation turned physical, with Barnes punching Fisher. The incident made national headlines and was investigated by the NBA. Barnes was suspended for two games. The love triangle became a media sensation, with Barnes publicly accusing Fisher of violating an unwritten code among teammates and friends.
The divorce was settled in December 2016, with Barnes ordered to pay $10,000 per month in child support. But the custody battle took a dramatic turn when Govan was arrested for child endangerment and Barnes was awarded sole physical and legal custody of the twins. The court also granted Barnes an 18-month restraining order against Govan and ordered her to complete 26 sessions of anger management and 10 parenting classes.
In a 2024 follow-up, Govan sued Barnes for $250,000 in unpaid child support, which they settled with Barnes agreeing to pay $275,000 in installments plus $25,000 in attorney fees. The case is notable for its custody reversal: Govan initially had primary custody, but Barnes's persistence and documentation of Govan's behavior led to a complete custody switch. Meanwhile, Fisher married Govan in 2022, and Barnes has publicly stated he has made peace with the situation.
Legal Breakdown: Custody Reversals and Third-Party Relationships
Custody Reversals Based on Behavior
Barnes's case demonstrates that initial custody arrangements are not permanent. When one parent's behavior raises concerns about the children's safety and wellbeing, courts can and will reverse custody. Barnes documented Govan's issues and presented a compelling case for sole custody, overcoming the statistical preference for mothers in custody disputes.
The Role of Anger Management and Parenting Classes
The court's order for Govan to complete 26 anger management sessions and 10 parenting classes reflects the therapeutic approach modern family courts take. These requirements serve both as consequences for past behavior and as tools for future improvement. Completion (or failure to complete) these programs affects future custody modifications.
Third-Party Relationships and Custody
Govan's relationship with Fisher, while not directly relevant to her parenting ability, was a factor in the overall conflict. Courts consider the totality of circumstances, including whether a new relationship creates instability or conflict that affects the children. The Barnes-Fisher confrontation demonstrated the kind of instability courts seek to minimize.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Custody arrangements can be reversed when one parent demonstrates concerning behavior, regardless of initial rulings.
- →Fathers who document issues and persist through the legal process can win sole custody, even in systems that statistically favor mothers.
- →New romantic relationships during custody disputes can complicate proceedings and affect judicial perceptions.
- →Anger management and parenting classes ordered by courts should be taken seriously, as compliance affects future custody decisions.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.