“What’s So Funny Sportscenter?”: Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls Out Media Outlet for How They Shared Joel Embiid’s ‘Failure’ Speech

The Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated from the Playoffs tonight. Jayson Tatum went on a rampage and dropped 51, as Joel Embiid and co. went to TD Garden for Game 7. After the game ended, Joel shared a moment with Tatum, and then proceeded to talk to the media. There, he referenced Giannis Antetokounmpo and mockingly brought up his ‘failure’ speech. SportsCenter shared it, but Giannis wasn’t too happy about it.

The Sixers could not close things out at home in Game 6. They let the Celtics force Game 7, and then weren’t good enough to handle the heat. Instead of owning up to the abysmal performance, Joel Embiid first blamed his teammates(yet again), and then jokingly mocked Giannis’s failure speech.

Joel Embiid with a smile: “Like someone said: it’s not a failure, it’s a step to success.” pic.twitter.com/HYTeXykH6w

— Main Team (@MainTeamSports) May 14, 2023

SportsCenter shared the same video on their Instagram. However, the way they shared it did not sit well with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis Antetokounmpo calls out SportsCenter for mocking him

The video SportsCenter shared, it had a caption on it, which read,

“Embiid quotes Giannis as his season ends 😂😂😂”

The video itself was captioned with three laughter emojis, “😂😂😂”

 

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A post shared by SportsCenter (@sportscenter)

First, Giannis would not have appreciated Joel Embiid mocking him like this, especially out in public. Even if he was okay with it, a random Instagram page that has no clue what it’s like to be a player in the playoffs mocking him did not sit right with Giannis at all. He called out SportsCenter via their comments section and wrote,

“What’s so funny @sportscenter“

Giannis wasn’t particularly pleased with how SportsCenter shared Joel Embiid referencing his ‘Failure’ speech pic.twitter.com/cHnFZxDcFO

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) May 15, 2023

Giannis, who has time and again reiterated his ‘failure’ speech since his playoff exit, did not appreciate being mocked like this, and let it be known. Good for him. It’s about time people respect the 2x MVP and former champion.

What’s next in store for Giannis?

As the Bucks got eliminated, their head coach Mike Budenholzer was fired. Mike and Giannis were close, and it would have certainly felt like a big shock to the Greek Freak. A few days ago, the Golden State Warriors were booted by the Los Angeles Lakers as well. This has led to some ‘Giannis to Warriors‘ rumors emerging.

The Bucks’ front office has a decision to make for their next HC choice, and I’m sure they’ll keep Antetokounmpo in the loop. While a Giannis trade to the Warriors may be too far-fetched, the Bucks may move other pieces to make the roster according to his consideration.

On the other hand, in his personal life, Giannis is expecting a third child with his girlfriend, Mariah Riddlesprigger. Busy times ahead for the Greek Freak.