Kendrick Perkins was involved in a heated youth basketball moment over the weekend, with video showing the former NBA champion being restrained during an Amateur Athletic Union game involving his son’s team.
The incident reportedly took place Sunday (May 24) during a matchup between YPG Perkins and Swaveway Playaz at the Young Family Athletic Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
Video obtained by TMZ showed Perkins confronting members of the opposing side near the end of the game while multiple people stepped in to hold him back.
Witnesses told the outlet tensions had been building throughout the game before things escalated late in the matchup.
Perkins retweeted the video on Wednesday (May 27), 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.”
Sources close to Perkins reportedly claimed the ESPN analyst became upset after what they viewed as a dangerous non-basketball play involving one of his players.
Despite the chaotic scene, authorities said the situation never escalated into criminal territory. Officers from the Norman Police Department, who were reportedly working off-duty security for the event, reportedly helped calm things down. Police later stated no arrests or charges were necessary.
Perkins’ representative, Kennard McGuire, also defended the former NBA player, telling TMZ, “Kendrick is very passionate about everything, especially when it involves his kids.”
“We’re not going to waste water on an imaginary fire,” McGuire added.
Perkins has remained heavily involved in youth basketball since retiring from the NBA, coaching AAU teams that include his son, Kenxton Perkins, who is already regarded as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2030.
The longtime NBA enforcer built a reputation during his playing career for his physical style and intensity while playing for teams including the Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New Orleans Pelicans.
