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Kendrick Perkins allegedly punched a woman in the face, earning misdemeanor assault charges

Eric Freeman

Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins enters the 2013-14 NBA season with something to prove. After a disappointing campaign in 2012-13, Perkins has stated that he intends to improve his offensive game and provide an interior presence for OKC at both ends. It's a challenge, but one that Perk appears to be taking seriously.

However, it appears he now has much more pressing issues on his hands. According to police reports, Perkins was arrested (and subsequently released on bail) after allegedly punching a woman in the face outside a club. From News9.com (via Beyond the Buzzer):

Charges have been filed against Thunder center Kendrick Perkins for misdemeanor assault after an incident that happened July 20th outside a Houston nightclub.

According to Harris County police reports, Perkins was part of a group of people involved in a fender bender in the parking lot of Nox nightclub. The female complainant alleges that a man named Quincy Alpough pushed her after she and a woman riding with Perkins confronted each other following the accident. She says her brother got out of the car after seeing his sister get pushed and that's when Perkins came out swinging.

The affidavit says Perkins "ran around the vehicle and swung wide with a right fist" hitting the brother in the head, then striking the sister in the face and knocking her to the ground. There she alleges a group of people "repeatedly stomped and kicked" them while they were on the ground. [...]

"We were made aware of the allegations," Presti said in a statement. "It is something we take seriously and are gathering more information. We will have no further comment at this time."

Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman reports that Perkins was released on $1,000 bond Thursday morning. There are no other updates at this time, but we will provide details as they come to light. The news comes shortly after the Thunder's waiving of DeAndre Liggins in September after his arrest on several charges of domestic violence and kidnapping.

As with any legal issue, it's important not to speculate too much or assume Perkins has engaged in any wrongdoing. If true, these allegations are obviously serious and somewhat disturbing. However, a misdemeanor likely would not lead to major punishment. Regardless, it's a distraction that the Thunder did not hope to face so early in the season.

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