Rumors are swirling that Kendrick Perkins, the former NBA champion and ESPN analyst, has been fired, according to a post on X from NBACentral citing insider Shams Charania.
However, no official statement from ESPN has confirmed Perkins’ departure, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the truth behind the claim.
Kendrick Perkins had a remarkable 14-year NBA career, starting when he was drafted 27th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2003, straight out of high school.
He went on to play for teams like the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Canton Charge in the NBA G League.
His most notable achievement came in 2008 when he helped the Celtics secure an NBA championship, earning a reputation as a tough, defensive-minded center.
After retiring in 2019, Perkins transitioned into a media career, joining ESPN as an analyst.
He quickly became a recognizable figure on shows like NBA Today, Get Up, First Take, and SportsCenter.
Known for his bold opinions and unfiltered commentary, Perkins brought a player’s perspective to the desk, offering insights that resonated with some fans while sparking debate among others.
His larger-than-life personality and willingness to tackle tough topics made him a staple on ESPN’s NBA coverage, but it also landed him in hot water at times.
The Rumor: Has Perkins Been Fired?
The rumor of Kendrick Perkins being fired from ESPN began circulating on August 1, 2025, when a post on X from the account NBACentel claimed,
BREAKING: ESPN has fired Kendrick Perkins.
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) July 31, 2025
(Via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/s3XkoceJrt
The post surprised fans and critics alike, reacting swiftly.
However, the source of the claim, NBACentel, has a history of posting parody content, mimicking the reputable NBACentral account.
This raises serious doubts about the validity of the report, especially since ESPN has not issued an official statement confirming Perkins’ dismissal.
Adding to the doubt, another X user, @AskPerplexity, responded to the rumor, stating, “There’s no credible evidence that ESPN has fired Kendrick Perkins—rumors like this have circulated before, but reputable outlets confirm he’s still with the network, even after signing a contract extension in late 2024.”
ESPN announced in October 2024 that Perkins had signed a multi-year contract extension, expanding his role to include appearances on ABC’s NBA Countdown alongside his regular spots on NBA Today, Get Up, and other programs.
Without confirmation from ESPN or Perkins himself, the rumor remains unverified.
The claim may stem from ongoing fan dissatisfaction or past controversies surrounding Perkins, which have fueled calls for his removal from the network.
Kendrick Perkins is no Stranger To Controversy
His straightforward style and willingness to speak his mind have made him a polarizing figure in sports media.
One of the most notable incidents involved his comments about the NBA MVP candidacy of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić.
In 2023, Perkins suggested that Jokić’s back-to-back MVP awards were influenced by racial bias, pointing out that 80% of MVP voters were white and questioning why Jokić, a white player, won over Black candidates.
The remarks sparked widespread backlash, with critics accusing Perkins of injecting race into a discussion that should focus on performance.
Perkins has faced criticism for other bold takes, such as comparing the Golden State Warriors’ potential acquisition of Jimmy Butler to choosing “Nicki Minaj over Beyoncé or Taylor Swift.”
The analogy was seen as disrespectful to both Butler and Minaj, prompting Perkins to issue a public apology.
He also drew ire for his critiques of Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla’s strategies and for engaging in a public feud with sports media personality Bill Simmons over ESPN’s NBA coverage.
Beyond his on-air comments, Perkins has been scrutinized for his business ventures.
In 2024, ESPN reporter Dan Murphy published a report raising concerns about Perkins’ company, Nilly, which offers high school and college athletes upfront cash in exchange for a percentage of their future Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings.
The report described the model as potentially “predatory,” sparking debates about Perkins’ off-air activities.
These controversies have made Perkins a lightning rod for criticism, with some fans and analysts questioning his credibility and professionalism.
Despite this, his contract extension in 2024 suggested that ESPN valued his ability to generate buzz and drive viewership, even if his takes often stirred debate.
Rumors of Perkins’ Firing Have Sparked Mixed Reactions on X Due to His Controversial Position in Sports Media
Some fans celebrated the unconfirmed news, expressing frustration with Perkins’ commentary style and controversial takes.
One user wrote,
“We throwing the finest of meats on the grill when this clown gets fired.”
Via Twitter (X)
while another remarked,
“Respect for no scandals . He got fired just for being straight up terrible and possibly the worst ever at his job”
Via Twitter (X)
Others took a more personal tone, criticizing Perkins’ communication style and accusing him of bias.
One user posted,
“Another mumble mouth that spews nonsense. Centel, you are almost legitimate with this take. I know his chair will be happy he is gone. That poor thing is stressed, “
Via Twitter (X)
Another went further, alleging,
“He is a raging Racist & should have been fired a long time ago for his racist remarks against white people. Him & people like him at @espn is the reason I don’t watch them anymore.”
Via Twitter (X)
However, not all reactions were negative. Some fans defended Perkins, appreciating his authenticity and player’s perspective.
They argue that his bold takes, while sometimes controversial, spark meaningful discussions about the NBA.
Supporters also point to his success as a former player and his ability to connect with audiences through his unfiltered style.
The divided reactions highlight a broader debate about what fans expect from sports analysts.
Some prefer polished, data-driven commentary, while others enjoy the raw, emotional takes that Perkins brings to the table.
His ability to generate strong reactions—positive or negative—has undoubtedly contributed to his prominence on ESPN.
He admitted on The Knuckleheads Podcast that his change to broadcasting was challenging, as he worked for over a year without pay to earn the respect of fans and colleagues.
“I had to earn the respect of the fans, right?” he said, showing on his early days at ESPN.
His perseverance paid off, as he became a fixture on ESPN’s biggest shows and secured multiple contract extensions, including one in 2021 and another in 2024.
As of now, the claim that Kendrick Perkins has been fired from ESPN remains unconfirmed, and all signs point to it being a rumor spread by a parody account.
ESPN’s recent commitment to Perkins through a multi-year contract extension suggests he’s still a valued part of their NBA coverage team.
However, the persistent speculation reflects the challenges Perkins faces in maintaining his position in a highly scrutinized industry.
If the rumors were to prove true, Perkins wouldn’t be the first ESPN personality to face layoffs.
The network has made significant budget cuts in recent years, parting ways with high-profile figures like Zach Lowe, Robert Griffin III, and Sam Ponder.
Still, Perkins’s ability to generate headlines and engage audiences makes him a unique asset, even if his style isn’t for everyone.
For now, fans can expect to see Perkins back on NBA Countdown, First Take, and other ESPN programs, offering his signature hot takes.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Perkins graduated from Clifton J. Ozen High School in Beaumont, Texas, in 2003.
- Perkins was born in Nederland, Texas, and raised by his grandparents, who lived on a farm.
- Kendrick is a practicing Catholic.
