ESPN hockey commentator and former NHL player Matthew Barnaby was sentenced to 500 hours community service and must undergo anger-management counseling stemming from a May 13 domestic incident involving his estranged wife and a male friend. Charges, however, will be dismissed in one year if he complies with the judge’s conditions.
Among other things, Barnaby reportedly battered the garage door at his former residence in Getzville, New York, in an attempt to enter the home. He was originally charged with felony criminal mischief, criminal contempt, criminal trespass, harassment and aggravated harassment. Those charges were reduced to misdemeanor criminal mischief and aggravated harassment counts, which will be dismissed if Barnaby complies with the court orders.
Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III said he agreed to reduce the charges because Barnaby’s punishment would have been too harsh had he been convicted of the original charges.
“He would likely have been deported,” Sedita said of Barnaby, a native of Canada.
The judge in the case told Barnaby to return Aug. 8 for a compliance hearing.