Mike Breen has apologized for sharing a story about LeBron James confronting Joel Embiid at 76ers practice, saying he accepts James’ denial that the exchange happened.
“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,” Breen told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
During Monday’s Knicks-Sixers preseason broadcast on MSG Network, Breen said someone had told him Embiid arrived on the practice court a couple of minutes late and James “let him hear it.” James disputed that account Tuesday on Instagram.
“He ain’t been late so stop the lies,” James wrote.
Breen said the information came from someone he trusted and that his intention was to highlight James’ leadership.
“I thought it would be an interesting anecdote to show LeBron’s leadership already on display in Philly,” he said.
Instead, the attention turned to Embiid.
“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,” Breen said. “I’ve always been a huge fan of Joel and feel awful that it put the focus on him the way that it did.”
Sixers coach Nick Nurse also defended Embiid after Wednesday’s practice, telling reporters the center’s work has given him no reason for concern.
“I’m just surprised that this has come up and you guys are asking about this, because Joel has been excellent,” Nurse said. “He’s been on the practice floor. He’s worked really hard and he’s been playing great. So, I’m just surprised something like that has come out.”
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
