ESPN Analyst Matthew Barnaby Spent Friday Night In Jail After A Domestic Incident

by Dan Fogarty | 12:16 pm, May 15th, 2011

Former NHL player and current ESPN hockey analyst Matthew Barnaby pleaded not guilty yesterday to five charges (including one felony) stemming from a domestic incident on Friday with his estranged wife.

He was released from jail Saturday morning.

There were no physical injuries during the dispute, which took place at Barnaby’s former home in Amherst, NY. According to Amherst police, Barnaby went to the house, tried to enter, kicked a door, and left approximately $300 in property damage.

Police say that following the incident, which occurred around 6:15pm on Friday, Barnaby drove to a male friend of his estranged wife’s place of business to confront him (he also allegedly sent the guy a threatening text message). By the time police got there, however, Barnaby was gone.

The analyst, who has been romantically linked to fellow ESPNer Michelle Beadle, released this statement following his arraignment:

“The past few months have been difficult on our entire family, as my wife and I decided to seperate and divorce. Last evening, there was an unfortunate disagreement between us regarding a family matter. There was never any physical violence or threat of physical violence involved. I would like to ask that everyone respect our privacy during this difficult time, and hope that this will be resolved quickly and amicably.”

Barnaby is due back in Amherst Court on May 18. He faces charges of felony criminal mischief, criminal contempt, criminal trespass, harassment and aggravated harassment. The felony charge carries a possible prison term of four years.

ESPN says it’s currently “looking into” the situation.