We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

The National Times - 'Suck it' - Joel Embiid jabs French fans ahead of Olympic basketball final

'Suck it' - Joel Embiid jabs French fans ahead of Olympic basketball final

SPORTS 09.08.2024
'Suck it' - Joel Embiid jabs French fans ahead of Olympic basketball final
'Suck it' - Joel Embiid jabs French fans ahead of Olympic basketball final / Photo: © AFP

Joel Embiid had a succinct message for jeering French fans Friday as he and his USA teammates prepared to take on the host nation for Olympic men's basketball gold.

Change text size:

"They're gonna boo me. I'm gonna go back at them and tell them to suck it," said the Philadelphia 76ers big man, who earned NBA Most Valuable Player honors in 2023.

French fans have heckled the Cameroon-born Embiid relentlessly since the start of competition, irked that he chose to play for the United States when he was eligible to represent France after being made a citizen in 2022.

Embiid, who also has US citizenship, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he plumped for the USA for the chance to play with his NBA colleagues and "to honor my son who was born in the US".

"I want my boy to know I played my first Olympics for him," Embiid wrote.

He hinted that by the time the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics roll around he could play for his native Cameroon. Apparently, France need not apply.

"I think being with Team USA, the group of guys that we have, the people around us, made it easy to just enjoy and then Paris is a great city, too, and then the next one is in LA," he said.

"We will see, I don’t know. Maybe (the next one) might not be with Team USA, maybe it might be with Cameroon."

P.Johnston--TNT

Featured

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: