It all started on the set of First Take, the ESPN show. Regular commentator Kendrick Perkins recalled his years in Oklahoma City, and the fact that this group was promised mountains of titles.
“Everyone was like, ‘Oh, Kevin Durant is only 23. Russell Westbrook is only 22, James Harden is also only 22 and Serge Ibaka is only 21. Even though he was probably 30 at the time because we all know people lie about their age.” had thus released the former pivot.
Is this a real accusation or just a joke about the rumors around Serge Ibaka’s age? In any case, the subject does not make the person laugh, who replied with several tweets to his former snowshoe teammate.
“You can talk about my game if you want. If I don’t play well, I’ll never have a problem with that. But saying non-basketball stuff for no reason is unacceptable. It is disrespectful to me and to so many Africans who have had to live with baseless accusations like this. If I was 30 at OKC, I guess I’m 45 now? The truth is, I’ve never lied about my age and I work really hard, every day, without cheating and without getting suspended. Everyone in the NBA knows that. You cheated and didn’t respect the game.”
What is Serge Ibaka referring to? Hard to say. But the Congolese adds another layer.
“Although I’m disappointed, I’m not really surprised, coming from someone who got his current job by breaking the locker room code and spreading lies about two former teammates and brothers, KD and Russ. When KD had a bad game, you criticized him behind his back. Same with Russ. You weren’t a leader in the locker room, and that’s the same in the media now. I understand that everyone needs a job and to take care of their family, but you are proof that not everyone can do it with class and dignity. I could say more about you but I’m not that kind of person, even if you’ve gone too far. »
Initially, Kendrick Perkins apologized.
“Hey, sorry dude if I hurt you. It was a joke ! Sorry if that hurt you. My apologies my brother. »
Then, no doubt realizing that there was more to it than the first tweet, it was much more virulent…
“Are you talking about spreading lies? Don’t get me started, man. Please. I’m not going to talk about those years at OKC and what you were doing in the locker room. I won’t… but you really need to stop talking because I KNOW!!!! Go along your path… “
