Kendrick Perkins
A local high school basketball star that went on to the pros is being sued by his former trainer and personal manager.
Kendrick Perkins made a name for himself on the court at Beaumont's Ozen High School, and in 2003 was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies and then traded to the Boston Celtics.
Perkins arranged for Michael Ryals to move to Massachusetts to assist him, and Ryals lived with Perkins from 2003 to 2006 handling day to day affairs for the basketball player. During that time, Ryals received payment from Perkins.
On Sept. 7, 2006, Ryals and Perkins entered into a written contract for services executed in Jefferson County. The contract stated that Ryals would provide training and advice including physical, mental, health, lifestyle, financial, investing and tax matters. In exchange for the services, Perkins would pay Ryals .066312997 percent of his pay from the NBA, but excluding monies he received from endorsements or incentives.
Subsequently, Perkins received a four year, $16 million contract extension with the Celtics.
"Despite continuously paying Mr. Ryals for the three year period while he lived with Mr. Perkins in Boston, Mr. Perkins now after signing his contract extension refuses to pay Mr. Ryals the sums that are due," the plaintiff's original petition states.
Ryals filed a lawsuit against Perkins on April 19 in Jefferson County District Court.
The plaintiff is requesting a trial by jury and seeking a judgment against Perkins for specific performance of the contract, interest, court costs and other relief to which the plaintiff may be entitled.
Roy Camber of Houston is representing Ryals.
The case has been assigned to the 60th District Court of Judge Gary Sanderson.
Case No. B179-135