Frederic Weis Blasts Joel Embiid: 'Take Away From Him The French Nationality And Ban Him From Entering France'

Frederic Weis' scathing remarks about Joel Embiid's decision to join Team USA for the Olympics have ignited controversy and drawn attention to the complex issue of national representation in sports.

"I consider this boy a great player as much as he is a dirty guy. I hate him for the things that he did. I think he doesn’t have any respect for France and also for all the people who are asking for a French passport and don’t get it. And under the pretext that he is a great athlete, he got it. I find it scandalous, I find it embarrassing. I don’t care about his excuses, cause they are his words, and his words mean nothing”. 

“I would take away from him the French nationality and I would ban him from entering France. You will not play in the Olympics. You will come to the airport with Team USA and we will say: You don’t have the right to enter the territory, go to your home. You are Cameronian, you are American, you are not French, go away”. 

Weis, a former Olympic silver medalist for France, didn't mince words on his radio show, expressing his disdain for Embiid's choice while also criticizing the French authorities for granting him citizenship. He accused Embiid of lacking respect for France and questioned the integrity of the passport acquisition process.

The former basketball player didn't shy away from highlighting the commercialization of sports, suggesting that national team selection is increasingly influenced by financial considerations rather than genuine national pride.

Weis' call to strip Embiid of his French nationality and ban him from entering the country reflects his deep frustration with what he perceives as a betrayal of national values. He emphasized the symbolic significance of representing one's country in international competitions and lamented the prioritization of individual success over national loyalty.

Despite the backlash, Weis stood firm in his belief that the essence of national team competition has been compromised by the pursuit of personal gain. He pointed to France's competitive performance against the USA in the 2021 Olympic final as evidence of the country's potential without Embiid's involvement.

Ultimately, Weis' comments underscore the passionate debates surrounding the intersection of sports, nationality, and identity. While some may view Embiid's decision as a pragmatic choice in pursuit of success, others, like Weis, see it as a betrayal of national pride and integrity.

The controversy serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in international sports and the importance of considering the broader implications of individual decisions on a national scale.

Joel Embiid Will Face Backlash For Not Picking France For The Rest Of His Career

Joel Embiid's decision to represent Team USA instead of France in international basketball competitions is bound to stir controversy and attract backlash throughout his career, regardless of his on-court performance.

The man may be averaging an impressive 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting an outstanding 52.9% from the field, but these remarkable statistics may not be enough to shield him from criticism regarding his national team allegiance.

The backlash stems from multiple factors, including national pride, perceived loyalty, and the optics of prioritizing individual success over representing one's country of origin. Embiid's choice to forego playing for France, a decision that may be seen as turning his back on his heritage, is likely to rub some fans and pundits the wrong way.

Even if Embiid leads Team USA to victory in international tournaments, the specter of his decision to spurn France will loom large. Critics may argue that his success with Team USA comes at the expense of his commitment to representing his homeland and that his motivations are more rooted in personal ambition than national pride.

Furthermore, the timing of Embiid's decision, coming after France reportedly fast-tracked his citizenship to bolster their national team, adds another layer of controversy. Some may view Embiid's choice as opportunistic, taking advantage of a shortcut to citizenship for his own benefit without fully embracing the cultural and national significance of representing France.

Additionally, Embiid's decision may be viewed through the lens of broader debates surrounding the globalization of sports and the increasing influence of money and personal branding. Critics may argue that Embiid's choice reflects a trend in which athletes prioritize individual success and lucrative opportunities over traditional notions of national loyalty and identity.

Joel Embiid's decision to represent Team USA over France will continue to generate backlash and controversy throughout his career. Despite any success he may achieve on the court, questions surrounding his loyalty, motivations, and national identity are likely to persist, casting a shadow over his international basketball career.