Kobe Bryant’s death at 41 elicited an array of reactions as the sports world reeled from Sunday’s news of a deadly helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif.
Shock and sadness were the understandable immediate reactions to the news, but for former NBA forward Kendrick Perkins, Bryant’s untimely death presented an opportunity to reflect on his feud with Kevin Durant. Perkins spent nearly five season in Oklahoma City with Durant, but the two sparred on Twitter two weeks ago. Perkins went as far as to tell Durant that he took the “coward way out” by joining the Warriors.
Sunday’s news, though, prompted Perkins to reach out to Durant and apologize.
Just wanted to tell you I Love you my brother and whatever I did to hurt you I’m sorry bro and hope you forgive me!!! I love you bro real Talk! @KDTrey5
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 26, 2020
Durant didn’t publicly respond, but extremely online K.D. almost certainly took notice to the gesture.
Perkins clearly regretted how he treated Durant there, especially since they were once close friends and teammates in Oklahoma City. And when a tragedy occurs like what happened on Sunday, it put into perspective how insignificant petty arguments can be — just how Dwight Howard preached that we should appreciate others while they’re alive. To honor Kobe, Perkins extended that olive branch — a simple gesture of humanity.
Bryant was among the nine dead in Sunday’s helicopter crash. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna was also among the victims.
You can read more from USA TODAY Sports.
[jwplayer yija50nJ-q2aasYxh]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]