Matt Barnes addresses controversy over athletes returning to college sports
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 3:13 PM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
Matt Barnes, co-host of the podcast 'All the Smoke', spoke with the California Post on August 26 about former professional athletes attempting to re-enter college sports. He expressed concern over older players, citing that 25- to 27-year-olds should not be competing with teenagers. Barnes emphasized the role of college as a developmental stage for young athletes and for education, suggesting a need to rethink the current structure around athlete participation.
- •Barnes co-hosts the podcast 'All the Smoke'.
- •He spoke with the California Post on August 26.
- •Barnes opposes older athletes playing in college sports.
- •He emphasizes college should focus on education and development.
- •The controversy arises amid changes to athlete eligibility guidelines.
- 3:13 PMYahoo Sports — Matt Barnes, now the co-host of the popular “All the …
"Matt Barnes, now the co-host of the popular “All the …
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Aug 26, 2026, 5:38 PMAre the Boston Celtics good enough to contend for an NBA title next season?- NBA•Aug 26, 2026, 5:08 PM2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying games: Schedule, standings, NBA players to watch
- NBA•Aug 26, 2026, 5:05 PMPeople do not like the Boston Celtics front office right now
- WNBA•Aug 26, 2026, 4:53 PMFever-Sky averages 3.31M viewers, most-watched regular-season WNBA game since 1997
NBA•Aug 26, 2026, 4:46 PMBennedict Mathurin to sign with Pelicans, face Pacers in season opener
NBA•Aug 26, 2026, 4:27 PMMark Walter-owned TWG Global releases statement denying reports of 'fire sale' of Lakers aimed at raising money amid federal investigation
