Matt Barnes says he went to house because his son looked distressed

So far, the only substantive accounts of the Matt Barnes-Derek Fisher altercation have come from anonymous sources.

The Knicks coach has deflected questions.

But Barnes is giving his account, at least of the lead-up.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN:

Just got off the phone with @matt_barnes22 about his run in with Derek Fisher last weekend.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 8, 2015

Barnes said he was in Marina Del Ray when he got a text from his 6-year old son Carter around 10 p.m. that had him concerned.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 8, 2015

Barnes said he Factimed his 6-year old son Carter to check on him and "When I saw his face I knew something was wrong."

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 8, 2015

Carter is normally rambunctious. But when he Facetimed him, "his head was down on the couch" and he said, ‘Mommies friend Derek is here.’"

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 8, 2015

“We were on Facetime. I could see him and the look on his face.” Barnes said of Carter. "That was my main reason for going over there"

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 8, 2015

"I can’t believe people think I was some maniac driving 95 miles and listening to Tupac to go beat somebody up," Barnes said.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 8, 2015

Barnes: "I live 15 minutes away and I was going over to check on my kids because they seemed uncomfortable. "

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 8, 2015

Barnes said he, his ex-wife and kids had driven together from Santa Barbara earlier in the day after the Grizzlies finished training camp

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 8, 2015

He declined comment on the specifics of the altercation that ensued between he and Fisher.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 8, 2015

Barnes on his relationship with Fisher: "We were close. We were friends. Some things have happened to change that. It is what it is.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 8, 2015

It’s completely understandable that Barnes would act to ensure his children’s welfare.

And let’s say everything he said is true. It still leaves important questions unanswered.

Did Barnes – as he reportedly texted a friend he did – beat up Fisher and spit on his estranged wife, Gloria Govan? If so, why did Barnes deem that necessary to protect kids?