Matt Barnes, an American former professional basketball player who played 14 seasons in the NBA, was born to an Italian mother and an African-American father.
He is making headlines for his separation from fiancée Anansa Sims. Their relationship came under intense scrutiny after Anansa accused him of infidelity.
Highlights
- Matt Barnes’s parents, Henry Barnes and Ann Barnes, married on November 13, 1979, and had three children.
- They were drug addicts, and Ann passed away due to stage 4 lung cancer on November 27, 2007.
- His mother’s demise sparked his foundation Athletes vs. Cancer in 2008.
Anansa claimed Matt was involved with eight different women in January 2025. The former couple has two children, Ashton Joseph Barnes and Austin Matthew Barnes.
Matt spoke about his relationship during a conversation on the All The Smoke podcast.
I literally lost my family by being exactly what you talked about. Like, I was the strong provider, but I wasn’t there emotionally. I wasn’t empathetic. I wasn’t willing to share those emotions. That was stuff that my ex would tell me: ‘I don’t… you’re a wall.’
Matt Barnes
However, Anansa expressed her feelings on Instagram, urging the former athlete to share the full story if he chooses to speak publicly about their matters.
She emphasized the toll their public breakup has taken on their children and urged him not to speak about her in the media.
Furthermore, she encouraged him to prioritize healing through therapy and a renewed connection with his faith.
Matt was previously married to Gloria Govan, and they have identical twin boys, Carter Kelly and Isaiah Michael.
He was arrested in 2010 on suspicion of domestic violence against her and separated in 2014.
Matt Barnes’ Parents Were Drug Addicts
Matt Kelly Barnes, the son of Henry Barnes and Ann Barnes, was born on March 9, 1980, in Santa Clara, California. His parents raised him alongside his brother, Jason, and sister, Danielle.
His parents married on a balmy Tuesday afternoon, November 13, 1979.
Henry was a Marine with a short temper, and Ann taught elementary school.
Later, Henry worked as a butcher. He would wake up at 3 for his butcher shop and work double shifts most days. After being exhausted from the work, it would take very little to issue a beating to his wife or children.
Danielle’s tearful objections were the only thing that could get him to stop.
Henry came from an abusive background and was a street brawler who seemed to take pleasure in pummeling strangers.
He was also a drug dealer, and his associates were a constant presence in the house. Matt grew up watching adults snort lines of cocaine in the living room at 6.
Henry and Ann were drug addicts and fought constantly over money, infidelity, and drug use.
I hated the way they looked and acted. I’m glad I never did coke because I probably would have loved it. I’m glad I never did heroin or crank either.
Matt Barnes
Matt grew up in poverty and used to cut grass for pocket money. His mother could only set aside $50 for school clothes for each of her children.
Henry was black, and Ann was white. Their marriage was not popular around his native Sacramento, and they often received taunts when they went out.
Until Matt was well into primary school, his grandpa on his mother’s side refused to accept the kids and used racial epithets.
Later, he played four college basketball seasons at UCLA, and the Memphis Grizzlies selected him with the 46th overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft.
Matt Barnes’ Mother Passed Away Due To Cancer
On November 1, 2007, Ann Barnes was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away on November 27, 2007.
Matt had discovered her condition just before the Golden State Warriors’ season opener that year, but lost her 26 days later.
Ann had informed Matt that she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and had developed two lumps on each side of her chest.
He started crying and planned to beat the cancer. However, the former athlete had to go through the hardest thing he had ever been through.
His mother’s demise sparked his foundation Athletes vs. Cancer in 2008.
His foundation provides comprehensive resources, support, and advocacy for families and survivors affected by cancer. It hosts various charity functions, including a Celebrity Golf Classic.
I know he was hurting. He was probably the closest to mom. I knew how Matt was feeling, but he wouldn’t show he was hurt. He was trying to toughen everybody up. He knew if he lost it, everyone would lose it. He was the backbone. He let everybody else know it would be OK. I know he was hurting.
Jason Barnes
Matt still has a difficult time with the tragic loss and often misses his mom, seeing his children run around the house.
I miss my mom. It saddens me, but at the same time, I know she’s not in pain anymore. I know she’s looking down on me, and I know she’s excited for what I’m about to do.
Matt Barnes
Additional Information
- Matt Barnes’ younger brother, Jason, played football in the Canadian Football League.
- He won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in his final season in the league in 2017.
- He is a basketball analyst for ESPN and NBC Sports California for Sacramento Kings games.
- As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $13 million, and he earns $3.4 million annually.
