(OutKick) The hits keep coming for ESPN and confused NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins.
For those of us who once valued the Worldwide Leader in Sports for their commentary before they turned to a race-first approach for headlines, it’s felt like years since someone boldly called them out for their off-the-mark sports takes.
Charles Barkley Slams Kendrick Perkins For ‘ESPN Speak’
After the network’s own J.J. Redick took a stand against the asinine “race is the reason” ESPN script that Perkins loves to recite on TV, other marquee figures in sports are also stepping up.
Joining Redick’s critique of First Take and ESPN was NBA legend Charles Barkley.
Barkley appeared on Denver’s “Altitude Sports Radio” to discuss the viral on-air rant by Redick and agreed with the ESPN pundit regarding the network’s failure to speak on sports fairly rather than spewing narratives related to race.
Kendrick Perkins suggests that Nikola Jokic is winning the MVP this year because he is a white European.
On National Television. This talking point started two weeks ago and is gotten worse and worse ever since.pic.twitter.com/ODNZX9UtQa
— Swipa (@SwipaCam) March 1, 2023
Last week, Perk said Jokic was gaining privilege in the NBA MVP race because he’s white (European).
“That’s asinine and silly,” Barkley said on Perkins’ assessment of Jokic. “Asinine, silly and stupid. Pick one of the words, whatever one you want.”
Barkley Won’t Be A Parrot For Any Network
Barkley said that Perkins was drumming up more of the senseless hot takes that circulate the MVP conversation every season. Still, Barkley did not excuse Perk for his blind commentary and said it was a symptom of the “ESPN disease.”
“I always talk about ESPN disease,” Barkley added. “A lot of these guys, when they get on TV and stuff, they’re like, ‘well I’m on ESPN, I got to say something provocative.’ And you know the thing about it, you’re always gonna get some fools out there, you guys probably get some fools calling in agreeing with him!
“I can promise you this, I’ve never said anything on television just to get clicks, that don’t mean I’ve been right or wrong, whatever.”
