Former French Olympian Frédéric Weis criticized Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid for choosing to play for Team USA in the upcoming Paris Olympics despite being granted French citizenship in July 2022. Weis, who is best known for being dunked on by Vince Carter during the 2000 Olympics, called Embiid a “great player” but also labeled him a “dirty guy.” He expressed his disdain for Embiid’s lack of respect for France and those who are struggling to obtain French citizenship, suggesting that Embiid’s status was based on his athletic abilities rather than merit.
Weis accused Embiid of making a “business decision” in choosing which national team to represent, and proposed revoking Embiid’s French nationality and banning him from entering France. He stated that Embiid should not be allowed to participate in the Olympics with Team USA and should instead be sent back home as he is Cameroonian and American, not French. This harsh criticism from Weis highlights the controversy surrounding Embiid’s decision and the implications it has for his relationship with the French basketball community and the Olympic Games.
Despite the backlash from Weis and others, Joel Embiid remains committed to playing for Team USA in the Paris Olympics. Despite having dual citizenship in Cameroon and the United States, Embiid’s decision has sparked a debate over national pride and loyalty in sports. As the 76ers continue to battle the New York Knicks in the NBA playoffs, Embiid’s choice to represent Team USA has become a point of contention and raised questions about the intersection of sports and nationality.
The criticism from Weis stems from a deep-seated belief that athletes should prioritize loyalty to their country of origin rather than making decisions based on personal or professional motivations. Weis’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by some in the French basketball community who feel that Embiid’s decision to play for Team USA undermines the value of citizenship and national identity. As Embiid continues to excel in the NBA playoffs, his choice to represent Team USA has ignited a conversation about the complexities of international competition and the expectations placed on athletes.
Ultimately, Joel Embiid’s decision to play for Team USA in the Paris Olympics has stirred controversy and divided opinion among fans, players, and former Olympians like Frédéric Weis. While Weis and others criticize Embiid for prioritizing personal reasons over national loyalty, Embiid stands by his choice and remains committed to representing the United States on the international stage. As the NBA playoffs unfold and the Paris Olympics draw near, the debate over Embiid’s decision underscores the complexities of sportsmanship, citizenship, and national pride in the world of professional basketball.
