Perkins Steps In After Teen Player Allegedly Body-Slammed at Oklahoma AAU Game
ESPN analyst and former NBA center Kendrick Perkins was involved in a sideline confrontation at a youth AAU basketball tournament in Norman, Oklahoma, after a player on the team he coaches was allegedly body-slammed by an opposing player following the conclusion of a game. Video of the incident, first published by TMZ Sports, shows the 6-foot-10 Perkins being physically restrained by members of his own coaching staff as he directs heated words at an individual off-camera.
Perkins coaches a 17-and-under travel team called YPG Perkins. According to his own account, the altercation was triggered after his team's game against Swaveway Playaz ended and a large opposing player allegedly grabbed and body-slammed one of Perkins' players to the ground. Perkins said the affected player's parents were not present at the game. Speaking on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show, Perkins described his response as a protective one. "His parents trusted me with their child," Perkins said. "So, I gotta protect that child as if he's mine." He added that he initially stayed seated, rose only when players from both sides moved toward a confrontation, and directed the opposing coach to control his players - an instruction that was reportedly met with a hostile reply. Perkins said he had no aggressive intent but was determined to ensure the safety of the player in his care.
Perkins addressed the video directly on X, writing: "Damn right, and it probably won't be the last time! I'm going to protect every single kid in my organization like they're my own." He did not dispute the footage or the circumstances surrounding it.
Perkins played 14 seasons in the NBA, winning a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. He spent eight seasons in Boston before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2010-11 season, where he remained for five years. He also had stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Pelicans before retiring. He has since become a prominent television analyst for ESPN, appearing regularly on First Take. No charges or formal sanctions connected to the Norman incident have been reported.
