Matt Barnes of Clippers calls suspension '#JOKE'

• Clippers forward Matt Barnes suspended for season opener
• Suspension comes after Barnes pleaded no contest to resisting, delaying or obstructing arrest
• Barnes is in first season with Clippers after two with Lakers

Los Angeles Clippers backup forward Matt Barnes was suspended by the NBA for the season opener Wednesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The suspension without pay comes after Barnes pleaded no contest to a charge of resisting, delaying or obstructing arrest stemming from an unlicensed driving incident in July. The driving charge was dropped because he had a valid license.

"My suspension handed down by the NBA 2day is a #JOKE, but best of luck 2 my team 2maro vs a tough Memphis team," Barnes tweeted Tuesday.

The arrest issue included Barnes directing a gay slur and other profanity toward a police officer. The rant was caught on camera and posted online by TMZ Sports.

Barnes joined the Clippers this offseason after two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and has acclimated well. The nine-year veteran has career averages of 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds a game, playing for eight teams in nine seasons.

"He's in the right spot," Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro told the Los Angeles Times last week. "He runs the court. He guards four positions, basically. He's a very good slasher. He's a very good rebounder. So, I've been real pleased with Matt and just his activity overall."