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NBA·May 11, 2026 08:13 PM ET

Perkins rips NBA for not suspending Wembanyama, citing player safety

Perkins says league chose stardom over safety.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated May 121 min read
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"Did the NBA get it right? In my opinion, no, because you prioritized superstardom and views over someone's health." —@ Video

What happened: On SportsCenter, Kendrick Perkins criticized the NBA for declining to suspend Victor Wembanyama following an on-court incident. Perkins said the league "prioritized superstardom and views over someone's health" in its disciplinary decision. The comments add to ongoing debate over how the league polices physical play involving its biggest stars.

Why it matters: The take lands amid heightened scrutiny of NBA discipline standards and how stardom factors into supplemental punishment. With Wembanyama central to an escalating safety debate, Perkins' framing reinforces a narrative that the league is reluctant to bench marquee draws. It also keeps pressure on the league office as playoff intensity rises.

What to watch: Watch for any follow-up statement from the NBA league office and whether other analysts or players echo Perkins' criticism. Wembanyama's next on-court action will draw added officiating scrutiny.

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