Scottie Barnes' Live-TV Antics Capture Fans' Attention

On Thursday, while CP24 reporter Sean Leathong was preparing to go live outside the Toronto Raptors practice complex, All-Star forward Scottie Barnes stepped into the frame. Barnes first leaned against a window and ate his lunch, then moved closer when Leathong mentioned his name. He celebrated the announcement that Kawhi Leonard’s contract had been extended, reacted with surprise to the $115 million, two-year figure, and finished by mugging for the camera after being identified as a key part of the team. Barnes later told the reporter he “didn’t do nothing” when asked if he had been doing anything behind his shot.

Newsweek

The live segment coincided with the recently completed trade that returned Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, a move that added a $115 million, two-year contract to the roster. The trade was highlighted as a major boost for the Raptors’ Eastern Conference aspirations, with Leonard’s presence expected to deepen the team’s playoff potential.

Newsweek

Jermaine Wilson of CP24 reported that Leathong was standing outside the practice facility preparing to go live when Barnes first approached and asked if he was with the media. Barnes’ brief denial that he had been “doing anything behind his shot” was captured on the live feed.

Newsweek

Last season Barnes appeared in 80 of 82 regular-season games and all seven playoff contests. He posted career-high shooting percentages—50.7 % from the field and 81.5 % from the free-throw line—while averaging 17.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.

Newsweek

• “Leathong said that he was standing outside the practice facility preparing to go live when Barnes first approached him and asked if he was with the media,” — Jermaine Wilson, of CP24

Newsweek