Matt Barnes, John Abraham & Stephen Smith Dealing With Police Matters: NBA, NFL & ESPN Stars Have Law Drama Ahead of 2014-15 Seasons

The 2014-15 NBA and NFL seasons are fast approaching, but despite the athletes and presenters currently enjoying their time off, it seems there's a host of non-sport related drama to deal with. Los Angeles Clippers' Matt Barnes, Arizona Cardinals' John Abraham and ESPN's Stephen Smith are all dealing with police matters. Whilst some are thinking of sports and only sports, it seems there's bigger, more pressing issues for this trio to deal with. Barnes has peace now his aunt's murderer has been found, whilst Abraham has been arrested for DUI after leaving a strip club and Smith has got in to trouble for remarks he has made.

Barnes' aunt was found dead on July 8th, and the star pleaded with fans to help track down her ex-partner Michael Williams. He has been found and arrested, meaning Matt can grieve and prepare for the season. He explained "It was a citizen tip that led police to Michael Williams' very location late this morning.  Thank you again for allowing me to be my auntie's voice and to help bring this suspect in. Also, thank you to the Sac PD!"

The NFL is never free of off-field dramas either, with Cardinals' Abraham arrested at 4pm, yes in the afternoon, for drunk driving. The star was asleep in the vehicle, whilst driving, and the police noticed this as his vehicle came to a quick stop in the middle of the road. The police knocked on the windows, while yelling, but it took him a while to wake up. The star apparently lingered of booze. Can the star avoid serious trouble in the future?

Finally, ESPN's Smith has been taken off of our television screens after making horrific remarks about women and domestic violence last week. He will be suspended for comments he made about NFL star Ray Rice and his situation, saying he would "tell women to make sure they're not doing anything "to provoke wrong actions" With that, alongside other comments, it was clear action would be taken, despite his apology.

Will the attention turn to sports once again, or will more off-the-field matters occur once again?