Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Breen caused a stir when he reported a rumor regarding Philadelphia 76ers stars LeBron James and Joel Embiid, and he’s now apologizing for it.
During Monday’s preseason game between the Sixers and the New York Knicks, Breen reported that James called Embiid out for being late to practice, but James later refuted that report. Breen told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that he didn’t intend to come off as if he was accusing Embiid of poor practice habits.
“I thought it would be an interesting story to show the leadership LeBron already displayed in Philadelphia,” Breen said. “To me, the fact that the teammate was Joel didn’t mean anything. Looking back, I should have realized that it was Joel who made it a story. I’ve always been a huge fan of Joel and I feel horrible that this put the focus on him the way it did.”
Breen told McMenamin that he was informed of the meeting between James and Embiid by “someone I trust,” and that he intended to illustrate the developing team dynamic within the new-look Sixers.
“Someone told me before the game that they were ready to practice, and Joel Embiid came out on the court a few minutes late, and LeBron let it slip,” Breen said on the show.
However, James quickly denied the story on social media, saying that Embiid was not late for practice since they became teammates over the summer.
“I’m so disappointed with the way the story was interpreted,” Breen told McMenamin. “The intention was to commend LeBron for already making an impact on the professionalism and accountability of the team, even something as innocuous as a player arriving on the court for practice a minute or two late.”
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Wednesday that Embiid was fully committed to the team throughout the preseason, saying, “I’m just surprised by what I’ve been told before and what you’re asking me, because he’s been great. He’s in great shape. He’s been on the practice field. He’s worked really hard and he looks really great. So it surprises me that something like this has come out now.”
Breen added that he accepts James’ perspective on the situation.
“I don’t know why the person who told me this story would make it up, but if LeBron says it never happened, I believe him and I apologize for telling it,” he said.
Gn sports
