Media personality and former NBA player Matt Barnes celebrated Christmas by getting engaged to the mother of his youngest son. Anansa Sims, a plus-sized model and daughter to the legendary model Beverley Johnson said “yes” to the proposal in front of the Christmas tree at home in matching pajamas. The two showed their happiness and huge new rock on social media, alerting the world that their five-year relationship would culminate with matrimony.
Matt Barnes Propose To Anansa Sims
PHOTOS & VIDEO HERE: https://t.co/R5zc9ntbFM pic.twitter.com/paRoESlSeH— Jeff (@JeffFromHarlem) December 27, 2022
The new development in their relationship is a positive pivot from the toxicity they’ve experienced in the past. The couple met while both were students at college at UCLA, where Barnes played from 1998-2002. He was drafted in 2002 in the second round by the Memphis Grizzlies. The two welcomed their son, Ashton, in 2019 and had a dramatic public breakup in 2020 that never could have foreshadowed their engagement.
All The Smoke
In 2020, Anansa Sims spoke against Matt Barnes, airing him out over accusations of blocking him from seeing their son. Through her Instagram, she shared the texts between her and Matt, accusing him of lying. In return, Barnes shared IG posts and made a video where he called out Sims for deleting texts, gaslighting, and more to make him “look bad.”
Sims eventually filed a restraining order against Barnes, and the former NBA player issued a public apology, reconciling later that year. Barnes had Anansa’s name tattooed on his neck and the two reignited after the reconciliation. Now they are cementing their family, with Barnes taking the holidays to let Sims and the world know how he feels.
Matt Barnes tatted his boo Anansa Sims’ name so she knows that it’s real!! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wsOX10RlWP
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) July 15, 2021
Both have been married before, with children from each relationship.
Sims has three children, Ava Brielle, David Bernard, and Benjamin, whom she shares with her ex-husband David Patterson. Her mother is iconic supermodel Beverley Johnson who made history in 1974 as the first Black woman on the cover of Vogue.
When Teammates Collide
Barnes shares twin sons, Isiah and Carter, with his ex-wife Gloria Govan, who is married to his old teammate Derek Fisher. Govan was a star of “Basketball Wives L.A.” She was in a custody battle with Barnes for their twin boys for years. Eventually, Barnes was granted custody of their children in 2018. The two married in 2013 but split after nearly two years of marriage. They settled their divorce in December 2016.
Barnes had an issue with his ex-Lakers teammate Derek Fisher dating his ex-wife and reportedly drove 95 miles from Santa Barbara to Redondo Beach, California, to confront Fisher at Govan’s house. Fisher was the head of the New York Knicks then, and Barnes did not know he had been dating her. Barnes reportedly found out when his sons called to tell him that Fisher was at the house, where a physical altercation occurred. The former teammates were once close.
Watch Derek Fisher's Wife Gloria Govan Threatens to Beat Up Her Ex-Husband Matt Barnes' Girlfriend Anansa Sims For Celebrating Her Sons' Birthday; The STREETS Ponder if Govan Still Has a Thing For Barnes Who Beat Up Fisher For Using His Grill (IG Posts) https://t.co/HEMJeEN6X5 pic.twitter.com/CfN6QGFVIT
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) November 17, 2021
Through the drama, Barnes has succeeded as a sports media personality with Stephen Jackson on “All The Smoke” podcast and cable television. Now he is closing the loop with his engagement welcoming in 2023 the best way, family style.
Barnes has experienced all the smoke in his personal life. Now he just wants all the love.
