Kendrick Perkins has spoken out following a viral altercation at his son’s AAU game in Norman, Oklahoma, and he is not backing down from his actions.
The former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst was filmed being held back during a heated exchange at the Trae Young Family Athletic Center over the weekend. Three people together managed to hold back 270-pound and 6-foot-10 Perkins.
Perkins later made it clear that he viewed the moment as a player-protection issue. That matters because the game involved his Young Perkins Global program, not just his own son.
Kendrick Perkins defends AAU altercation after Norman incident
In his response on Perkins on X, the former NBA center explained why he was unapologetic about stepping in.
“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.”
That line explains why Perkins is not treating the clip like an apology tour. He believes he reacted because one of his players had been put in a dangerous spot.
According to Yahoo Sports, Perkins later said on “The Pat McAfee Show” that an opposing player body slammed one of his kids after the game.
Kendrick Perkins says player safety sparked the AAU clash
The game involved Young Perkins Global and Swaveway Playaz in Norman. Witnesses told TMZ, via the New York Post, that the game had already become physical and chippy.
Perkins said he initially stayed seated before trying to calm the situation. He said he told the opposing coach to handle his players while he handled his own group.
That exchange then escalated when the opposing coach pushed back. Perkins said the two later settled things, acknowledged the moment, and moved on.
Norman police were reportedly present and helped calm the situation. The New York Post reported that police found no reason to criminally charge anyone involved.
Kenxton Perkins game details remain limited after viral moment
Perkins’ club won the game at the Trae Young Family Athletic Center. Public reporting did not provide a verified score, box score, or individual stat line for his son, Kenxton.
That is important context. The viral discussion has centered on the confrontation, not Kenxton’s performance or a detailed game recap.
Perkins still has to be held to a high standard as an adult coach. But his message is not complicated: he believes protecting every player in his program is part of the job.
