Mike Breen Apologizes After Retracting LeBron James and Joel Embiid Report
Veteran broadcaster Mike Breen apologized after falsely claiming LeBron James scolded Joel Embiid for lateness. LeBron denied the report, prompting Breen's retraction.
What was supposed to be a short story about leadership and professionalism turned into a storm surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers within 24 hours. Veteran broadcaster Mike Breen apologized on Wednesday after reporting during a preseason game against the New York Knicks that LeBron James had scolded Joel Embiid for arriving late to practice. The NBA star denied the claims, and Breen retracted his statement.
During the fourth quarter of the 76ers' 120-97 victory over the Knicks, Breen mentioned that before the game he heard the Philadelphia players were already on the court for practice when Embiid arrived a few minutes late, causing LeBron to "boil over." According to Breen, his intention was to highlight LeBron's influence on his new team and the leadership he is already displaying in Philadelphia. However, LeBron did not remain indifferent. On his Instagram account, he responded to Breen's report, writing: "He didn't late, so stop with the lies."
Breen, who also commentates games for ESPN and ABC, accepted LeBron's denial and apologized. "I am very disappointed by how the story was interpreted," he told ESPN. "The whole intention was to compliment LeBron on already having an impact on the professionalism and accountability in the team." The veteran broadcaster explained that the information came from "someone I trust," but admitted that in hindsight, he should have realized that the fact it involved Embiid specifically could make the story sensitive.
"I don't know why the person who told me the story would invent it, but if LeBron says it didn't happen - I believe him and apologize for bringing it up," Breen said. "I have always been a big fan of Joel and I feel bad that this puts the focus on him in this way."
The Background and Nick Nurse's Response
The reason the story drew special attention is Embiid's background. Two seasons ago, following a disappointing 2-11 start to the season, it was reported that his teammates criticized him for repeated tardiness. This time, however, 76ers coach Nick Nurse clarified that the reality is completely different.
"He was excellent. He is in great shape, on the court for practices, working hard and looking really good," Nurse said. "That's why it surprises me that something like this came out right now."
LeBron, Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey did not play in the game against the Knicks, but Nurse plans to integrate the regular season rotation in two of the three remaining preseason games, starting with the upcoming matchup tomorrow against the Brooklyn Nets.
