Mike Breen apologized Wednesday after LeBron James disputed the veteran broadcaster’s on-air account that James had scolded Joel Embiid for showing up late to a 76ers practice. The exchange, which started with a preseason broadcast and ended with James calling out the story on Instagram, played out over three days this week.
The Main Development
During Monday’s preseason game between the Knicks and 76ers, which Breen called for MSG Networks, he relayed an anecdote he had heard before tipoff. Philadelphia won that game 120-97, though James, Embiid and Tyrese Maxey all sat out.
“Somebody told me before the game that they were out ready to practice and Joel Embiid walked out on the court a couple of minutes late, and LeBron let him hear it,” Breen said on the broadcast.
James responded Tuesday on Instagram, flatly denying the story. “He ain’t been late so stop the lies,” James wrote.
Breen apologized Wednesday, telling ESPN he was troubled by how his comment had been received. “I’m so disappointed how the story was interpreted. The whole intent was praising LeBron for already having an impact on the team’s professionalism and accountability, even something so benign as a player getting on the court for practice a minute or two late,” Breen said.
What It Means
Breen said the anecdote came from a source he trusted ahead of Monday’s game and that he never intended to single out Embiid. “I thought it would be an interesting anecdote to show LeBron’s leadership already on display in Philly. For me, the fact that the teammate was Joel was meaningless.
In hindsight, I should have realized the fact that it was Joel is what made it a story. I’ve always been a huge fan of Joel and feel awful that it put the focus on him the way that it did,” he said.
Breen also made clear he was deferring to James on the facts of the exchange itself. “I don’t know why the person who told me the story would make it up, but if LeBron says it never happened then I believe him and apologize for putting it out there,” he said.
Context
This is not the first time Embiid’s punctuality has drawn attention. Two seasons ago, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that teammates had called out Embiid for being late to team activities as Philadelphia opened that season 2-11.
That history helps explain why Breen’s anecdote spread quickly even without independent confirmation, despite 76ers coach Nick Nurse pushing back on the report. Nurse said Embiid has been showing up on the practice floor and performing well, and he said he was surprised to see the story surface at all.
What’s Next
Neither James nor Embiid has commented further on the matter beyond James’ Instagram post. The 76ers continue their preseason schedule as James, Embiid and Maxey work toward game action after sitting out Monday’s win over New York.
More NBA news from Total Apex Sports.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
