LeBron James denies claim about Joel Embiid, ESPN's Mike Breen apologizes
Mike Breen apologized for a story about LeBron James scolding Joel Embiid for being late to practice after James called it a lie on Instagram.
Why LeBron James is trending
LeBron James is trending because he publicly called out ESPN broadcaster Mike Breen for a story Breen told on air. During the fourth quarter of the 76ers' 120-97 preseason win over the Knicks on Monday, Breen said a source told him James scolded new teammate Joel Embiid for showing up a couple of minutes late to a practice. James responded on his Instagram story the next day, writing, "He ain't been late so stop the lies." Breen apologized through ESPN on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
What is known: Breen made the claim live on the MSG Networks broadcast, James disputed it on Instagram, and Breen then apologized and said he believed James. What is not known: who originally told Breen the story, since he only described the source as someone he trusts. There is no indication of further statements planned from James, Embiid or the 76ers organization beyond what coach Nick Nurse said after Wednesday's practice.
What Breen said, and what he walked back
Breen told ESPN the story was meant as a compliment, not a knock on Embiid. "I'm so disappointed how the story was interpreted," he said, adding that his intent was to show James already having an impact on the team's professionalism and accountability. Breen said the anecdote came from someone he trusts, and that he did not know why that person would have made it up.
Once James disputed it, Breen did not dig in. "If LeBron says it never happened then I believe him and apologize for putting it out there," he told ESPN. He also said he felt bad that the story put unwanted focus on Embiid specifically, calling himself a longtime fan of the center.
The Embiid backdrop
The story landed the way it did partly because of Embiid's history. Two seasons ago, during a 2-11 start for Philadelphia, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania that Embiid had been called out by teammates for being late "for everything" as the team tried to turn things around.
This camp has been different by most accounts. Embiid is healthy after being limited to 38 games last season, has reportedly lost weight, and coach Nick Nurse said he has been on the practice floor and in great shape. Nurse said he was surprised by the questions he got about the story given what he has actually seen from Embiid at camp, and said the team has talked about managing outside noise so it does not become a distraction.
Facts per ESPN, Yahoo Sports. Opinion is the taproom's.