Mike Breen Apologizes After LeBron James Denied Report About Interaction with 76ers' Joel Embiid

Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Breen caused a stir when he reported a rumor about 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 out Embiid for being late to practice, but James later refuted the report. Breen told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that he didn't intend to come off as if he was singling out Embiid for poor practice habits.

"I thought it would be an interesting anecdote to show LeBron's leadership already on display in Philly," Breen said. "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."

Breen told McMenamin that he was informed about the encounter between James and Embiid by "someone I trust," and he intended to illustrate the developing team dynamics within the new-look Sixers.

"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.

However, James quickly denied the story on social media, saying that Embiid hasn't been late to practice since they became teammates over the summer.

"I'm so disappointed how the story was interpreted," Breen told McMenamin. "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."

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters on Wednesday that Embiid has been fully committed to the team throughout the preseason, saying, "I'm just surprised by what I was told before, and what you guys are asking me about, because he's been excellent. He's in great shape. He's been on the practice floor. He's worked very hard, and he looks really great. So it just surprises me that something like that came out right now."

Breen added that he accepted James' view of the situation.

"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.