Former NBA player Matt Barnes recently shared an update on his son Isaiah’s challenging week, which ended with a trip to the emergency room and surgery. Barnes, 44, took to Instagram on Sunday, August 25, to recount the series of events that led to his teenage son’s hospitalization, revealing that Isaiah faced multiple health scares before finally receiving urgent medical attention.
“My guys had a tough week,” Barnes began in his post. “Isaiah was hit by a car while jogging on Wednesday ?????, and then on Friday, he started having a bad stomach ache but tried to play through the Mamba Invitational.” Despite the pain, Isaiah pushed through, not wanting to miss the basketball tournament.
However, Isaiah’s condition worsened as the night went on. “He couldn’t sleep all Friday night and finally decided to tell his mom and me yesterday when he couldn’t move,” Barnes continued. Alarmed by his son’s condition, Barnes rushed Isaiah to the emergency room, where doctors quickly determined he needed emergency surgery to remove his appendix.
Barnes explained just how serious the situation had become: “The doctor said it was the largest appendix he had ever seen that hadn’t ruptured ??.” The former athlete shared a photo of Isaiah recovering in a hospital bed and expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from loved ones, adding, “Appreciate the love & support from family & friends!! We’re headed home ??.”
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Gloria Govan, Barnes’ ex-wife and Isaiah’s mother, also provided updates during their son’s hospital stay. She noted that while Isaiah was waiting for surgery, his twin brother, Carter, was away at a basketball tournament. “It’s minor… kinda,” Govan wrote on Instagram. “An appendicitis, but still!”
Isaiah later took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the challenging week, writing, “Been one tough week man.” He posted a photo of himself being discharged from the hospital, captioning it with a simple but heartfelt “Discharged,” along with the prayer hands emoji, and thanked everyone for their prayers.
After his release from the hospital, Isaiah and Carter shared a touching reunion. In a video posted on social media, the twins are seen embracing, with Carter checking out Isaiah’s new scar and saying, “Missed you, man.”
Barnes, who enjoyed a 14-season career in the NBA with teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings, retired in December 2017. Since then, he has transitioned to a career in sports media, frequently appearing as an analyst on ESPN. Beyond his professional achievements, Barnes is also a dedicated father who often shares moments from his children’s lives on social media.
In addition to Isaiah and Carter, Barnes has a 6-year-old son, Ashton, with his fiancée, model Anansa Sims. Barnes recently showcased a new tattoo that symbolizes the unity and love of their blended family. Sims expressed her admiration for Barnes in a heartfelt post earlier this month, praising his commitment to their family. “So Beautiful Baby! ??? The meaning, the symbolism, the love, the dedication, the tribute to our family and love we all share together ??,” she wrote. “A Partner, Best Friend, Father, Father Figure, Protector, Provider, True Example of a Man. I’m grateful for how you love us all out loud.”
Despite the recent scare with Isaiah, Barnes and his family continue to focus on their shared love and the strength they draw from one another. The support and affection they show for each other, both in times of joy and adversity, are a testament to the strong bond they share.
