Kendrick Perkins really took offense to being called a “cockroach” during a heated argument with Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal.
In April, Perkins said on “The Michael Kay Show” that Barkley and Shaq only watch Knicks games when he has in-person game coverage responsibilities for TNT, after which Barkley told Shaq he doesn’t pay attention to a player averaging five points per game because he’s “out there killing roaches.”
Perkins, a former NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and ESPN basketball commentator, appeared on Scoop B Radio and explained why the epithets upset him.
Shaq and Charles Barkley make the call @Kendrick Perkins Appearing on national television was a non-negotiable for Park.
Speaking to Scoop B Radio, he explained why:
“Cockroaches? You guys drinking that stuff? I kill cockroaches in the townships. They’re everywhere. From other black men… https://t.co/CHbhAuYzbR pic.twitter.com/jXxQpodFM6
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) June 10, 2024
“Next thing I know, they’re punching me, you know? They’re punching a punching bag, and I’m gonna bend those zippers like they’re brand new sheets!” Perkins said with a laugh, after rehashing the source of the feud.
“Then me and Shaq had to kill roaches in the jungle! It was fun though! The only problem is, don’t call me a roach. I don’t do that. Don’t call me a roach. Come on, I don’t swear. You call me a roach? Come on, roach. That’s the worst of the worst. Come on, roaches? You guys do that?”
Perkins explained why he was unhappy with this particular criticism.
“We’re exterminating roaches in black neighborhoods. They’re everywhere,” Perkins said.
“Black people can’t call anyone a cockroach. It’s like they’re spitting in my face. And I’m not fighting Charles or Shaq. My issue is with the ‘cockroaches.’ I don’t mind the punching bag, but what about the cockroaches? What the hell are you talking about?”
