It sounds like Frederic Weis is quite passionate about his feelings regarding Joel Embiid's decision to represent Team USA instead of France in the upcoming Olympics.
Weis' comments on a French radio show express his disappointment and frustration, especially considering Embiid's connections to both Cameroon and France. It's understandable that Weis may feel a sense of national pride and wish to see players with ties to France represent the country on the international stage.
But Weis took it too far.
Everyone has the right to make their own decisions about which national team they choose to represent in sports. Embiid's decision likely involved many factors, including personal preferences and opportunities.
"I consider this boy a great player as much as he is a dirty guy," Weis said, according to Eurohoops. "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."
Weis didn't stop there. He thinks the French government should get involved and ban Embiid from entering the country later this summer.
"I would take away from him the French nationality and I would ban him from entering France," he continued. "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 Cameroonian, you are American, you are not French, go away."
Man, that's way over the top. Embiid has made his name playing for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA — an American league. Sure, it would be great of him to play for France; but he's not harming anyone by opting to play for Team USA. Except for maybe the French squad.
