Scottie Barnes responded sharply to a teasing claim made by his Toronto Raptors teammate Jonathan Mogbo regarding a viral rollerblading video. The clip showed Barnes confidently skating through the streets of Florida, but Mogbo jokingly suggested Barnes had fallen moments before, prompting Barnes to defend himself publicly.
Barnes Shares Rollerblading Moment Amid Teammate’s Mocking Comment
Scottie Barnes recently shared a playful social media post featuring himself rollerblading down a street in Florida, awaiting a traffic signal before skating off with a grin. The video captured a lighthearted moment, during which Barnes appeared to enjoy the ride as Mogbo drove by. However, this moment took a twist when Mogbo posted the clip, adding a remark implying Barnes had fallen just prior to the footage.
“He literally fell right before this,” Mogbo captioned the story.
Barnes did not stay quiet in response and promptly called out Mogbo’s statement, emphasizing his professionalism.
“So we’re lying??? I’m a professional,” Barnes wrote, hilariously clapping back at Mogbo.
Performance Highlights and Season Recap
Off the court, Barnes is enjoying his offseason following a strong individual showing in a challenging Raptors season. Standing 6-foot-7, Barnes completed his fourth year in the NBA with averages of 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, despite the Raptors finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs. Mogbo, a rookie on the team, concluded his first year with 6.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Disrespectful Media Comments After Season Finale Stir Controversy
The Raptors ended their regular season with a 125-118 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on April 13, a loss that dashed their playoff hopes. The disappointment deepened when, after a postgame interview with Barnes, two reporters were caught on live microphones making disparaging remarks about Barnes and Mogbo. Neither was aware their conversation was still being recorded.
“It’s not just his enunciation, which like, was super bad, especially last year. But even the attitude,” one media member said. “Just the attitude like he’s having fun up there. First year or even before, he just kept getting worse and worse every year.”
“When I first interviewed Mogbo when he was drafted, I was shocked ’cause he was so dumb,” the Raptors reporter added.
Another reporter quickly pointed out to them that their comments had been recorded, putting an abrupt end to their conversation. These remarks sparked concern over the media’s treatment of the players during an already difficult season.
Implications for Barnes and Team Dynamics Moving Forward
Barnes’ direct response to Mogbo’s tease reflects the tense atmosphere surrounding the team after a tough season and media scrutiny. His defense reinforces his professionalism amid minor distractions. Meanwhile, the controversy over reporters’ remarks highlights ongoing challenges players face beyond the court. As the Raptors and their young players like Barnes and Mogbo head into the next season, managing public perception and maintaining focus will be crucial for their development and team cohesion.