The NBA season tipped off with fireworks on the court and an awkward moment off it. During ESPN’s live SportsCenter coverage ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets opener, analyst Kendrick Perkins made a comment that left co-host Elle Duncan visibly stunned and silent, sparking immediate backlash online.
The segment began playfully, with Duncan joking about Perkins’ nickname:
“You know, when you work at ESPN, talking to Kendrick is one of the Perk-s.”
Perkins, known for his unfiltered style and locker-room humor, responded with a setup of his own:
“You ready for this one?” he asked Duncan, who replied, “Oh God, OK.”
Then came the line that triggered the reaction:
“What you need Ibuprofen for when you can have a Perk?”
The comment, referencing both Duncan’s earlier mention of needing pain relief and Perkins’ nickname, was met with stunned silence. Duncan lowered her head, paused, and eventually muttered, “Uh, the lean back,” as the show cut to commercial.
No way Kendrick Perkins said that on Live TV 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/GYtUx0Zc0w
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) October 21, 2025
While some viewers interpreted the remark as a poorly timed joke, others saw it as crossing a line, especially given the live setting and Duncan’s visible discomfort. Social media erupted with criticism, with many calling the moment “televised harassment” and questioning ESPN’s editorial oversight.
Not the televised sexual harassment
— LePat Riley (@TheKahlied) October 21, 2025
If I hit you with this pic just know I think I said some fly shit pic.twitter.com/4pMH0iGq1y
— Warren Hunte (@TheCapricorn82) October 22, 2025
Tomorrow headline: ESPN/Kendrick Perkins have agreed to part ways
— B.T (@iconic_0ne) October 21, 2025
Ngl that line was hard but it was literally this meme 🤣 wrong messenger pic.twitter.com/qMnBgs2wKT
— Tony (@tonyprofits) October 21, 2025
Bars unfortunately pic.twitter.com/iwAC9qAbu3
— ᴅɪᴍᴇᴡᴏʀᴋ🧪🥼 (@BeLiKeDime) October 22, 2025
Bro She’s so uncomfortable😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/8L2MKAfO8o
— 23 (@Seelfmade23) October 22, 2025
He thought he ate 😂 pic.twitter.com/wPUTikQFZa
— DudeBro (@imdudebro) October 22, 2025
You can tell he’s been waitin’ to drop that gem
— not kyle barker (@TheColdestKyle) October 22, 2025
