Joe Vardon Explains Joel Embiid's Beef With France | 8/9/24

Perfect example of why I detest sports media. I've read Vardon's articles as well as articles in French sports media on the topic. Being an Embiid fan I followed this story from its inception. There is absolutely no ambiguity. Joel always said it was a POSSIBILITY but not a guarantee. He also said Cameroon was his first option. Even when being asked about it by French media at NBA games, he stated that his health was his priority and that he had made no commitment to play for France and that Cameroon was his number one option, though playing for France was a possibility. In addition, the initial reception by some French NBA players (Rudy and Fournier specifically) when the idea was first discussed was very condescending and resistant to the idea. Even Wemby recently when the Spurs played the Sixers sounded quite condescending about Joel choosing to play for the USA. Even fans and pundits were very frosty and antagonistic to the idea - constantly stating that Embiid wasn't French and should play for Cameroon instead. So, Joel is very right to say he wasn't wanted. In fact, he was repeatedly publicly disrespected - though he would've been doing France a favour. However, in typical self-indulgent French self-inflation, they wanted to diminish the African guy publicly acting as though they didn't need him and he was trying to use them, while privately begging him through Diaw (Batoum and TLC both of whom have been teammates of his). This is how the French authorities (with the exception of Boris Diaw who made it quite clear Joel never promised him he would play for them) have tried to position the whole affair because they were intent on putting out the idea that Joel wasn't that important to their team and that he was getting more out of it than they were. However, the simple fact is Joel doesn't and has never needed a French passport. When he went to visit family several years back they were already courting him. By allowing him to ride in one of the official vehicles on the champs elysees during the tour de France. I know this because Joel posted it in his Instagram stories. It might even still be in his insta highlights. So, this whole fiasco is just the French feeling entitled to Joel, desperately needing his services while not showing him the public respect that he deserved because they want to pretend that they're superior to Joel in that transaction. Anyone trying to discredit Joel on this topic is just dishonourable.

Thank jeebus he's on team USA. I mean.... it's almost like he could win something.