Former NBA big man and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins revealed that a 2021 debate about the Milwaukee Bucks took a disturbing turn when he and his family received death threats over his opinion on the team.
On the Road Trippin’ podcast, Perkins looked back on the 2021 NBA Finals between the Bucks and the Phoenix Suns. He had publicly labeled Khris Middleton as “Batman” over two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, a typical hot take for sports television. However, Perkins said the reaction off the air escalated into something much more serious.
“I started getting a death threat. It was going to my wife’s account. This dude was sending me threat after threat. ‘I am going to kill your kids; I know where you stay. I am going to murder you.’ This was real life,” Perkins shared.
Perkins said the situation escalated beyond what he could just shrug off, leading him to contact ESPN. The network’s security team launched an investigation, identified the source of the threats, and had the suspect taken into custody. Perkins said the man insisted he was only joking, but authorities pursued charges anyway.
Kendrick Perkins and the dangers of sports “hot” takes
The 40-year-old said the incident revealed how quickly sports debates can cross into dangerous territory. As an analyst, he often draws strong reactions with bold opinions, but he made it clear that targeted, personal threats are never acceptable.
The NBA analyst stressed that the experience highlights how crucial security is for both players and media members. The NBA and major networks have systems in place to shield people from harassment, and in this instance, those measures proved effective.
The Bucks went on to capture the championship that year, with Antetokounmpo delivering a historic 50-point performance in the decisive Game 6. The Middleton-versus-Giannis debate quickly faded as Milwaukee celebrated its first title in 50 years. For Perkins, however, the lasting takeaway was the real-world danger that came with doing his job.
The 14-year NBA veteran and 2008 Boston Celtics champion, said the experience drove home the importance of safeguarding both players and media members. “The work might be about basketball,” he continued, “but the stakes can be much higher.”
