ESPN analyst and former NBA center Kendrick Perkins has publicly addressed a viral video showing him involved in a physical altercation during an AAU basketball game. The incident, which occurred on May 25, 2026, in Houston, Texas, shows Perkins appearing to push and then body-slam another individual to the ground.
In a statement posted on social media on May 26, Perkins explained his actions, stating, 'He body slams one of my kids, so I reacted.' He claimed the other individual had first body-slammed a young player from his team, prompting his intervention. Perkins said he was protecting the player and that his actions were a reaction to the initial aggression.
The video, which has been widely shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, has sparked debate about the role of adults in youth sports. Some have criticized Perkins for his physical response, while others have defended him as protecting a child. No charges have been filed as of May 29, 2026, and the AAU organization involved has not issued a public statement.
Perkins, who played 14 seasons in the NBA and won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, has been an ESPN analyst since 2019. He has not commented further on the incident.
