Kendra Randle, who witnessed her husband—Knicks forward Julius Randle—face undue criticism for his postgame actions earlier this week, came to his defense on social media Saturday.
After the two-time All-Star and the Knicks were knocked out by the Heat in the second round of the playoffs on Friday night, Kendra Randle took aim at the now viral remarks made by former NBA forward Kenyon Martin. While appearing on a recent episode of Gilbert Arenas’s show Gil’s Arena, Martin offered up a bizarre take regarding Randle‘s choice to immediately celebrate with his wife at the conclusion of New York's Game 5 victory over Miami.
In her response to the story circulating on social media, Kendra tweeted: “😂😂😂 slow news day I guess. Both of us grew up in single parent homes. We never saw our dads respect our mothers. I’m so grateful my kids get to grow up watching their dad be the best father and husband❤️”
😂😂😂 slow news day I guess. Both of us grew up in single parent homes. We never saw our dads respect our mothers. I’m so grateful my kids get to grow up watching their dad be the best father and husband❤️ https://t.co/hzBFd7fLoP
— Kendra Randle (@KendraRandle_) May 13, 2023
In a subsequent tweet, Randle stylishly added how the love of a father for his family, should never be the focus of postgame talk.
“By the way that game was after a win. He would never be in the mood to kiss or even talk after a loss lol. But talk about real issues. Not a husband and father loving his family,” she wrote.
By the way that game was after a win. He would never be in the mood to kiss or even talk after a loss lol. But talk about real issues. Not a husband and father loving his family.
— Kendra Randle (@KendraRandle_) May 13, 2023
Martin had taken issue with Randle seeking out and choosing to kiss his wife, who was sitting courtside, immediately after the win rather than celebrating in the “moment” with his teammates.
“I saw something last night at the end of the game and it bothered me,” said Martin. “We just got done playing a hard fought game in a playoff series and the first thing [Randle does] is go kiss his wife!? That’s the first thing you do!? Where is your mindset at? I mean, it was the very first thing he did dawg, when the game was over.”
Martin went on to explain that he even informed his own wife that there was no way he would have sought her out in the crowd just moments after the buzzer sounded.
“I am sitting there watching the game with my wife and I said to her, I love you to death, but ain’t no way in that instant...” he said. “I mean I am going to be with my guys because we just got done winning and I am not even thinking about you.”
Kenyon Martin on Julius Randle
— Alex B. (@KnicksCentral) May 12, 2023
(via @HecBreezo) pic.twitter.com/X3dD6hHv9X
