National Basketball Association

Embiid backs Ronaldo after Team USA's draw; Twitter does not approve

Published Jun. 23, 2014 8:39 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Joel Embiid lost a few fans Sunday night, and it had nothing to do with his fractured foot.

Like most in America, the NBA draft prospect spent his afternoon watching the U.S. and Portugal battle in group play at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. But after Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo set up the game-tying goal with a beautiful cross in stoppage time, Embiid did not share the nation's frustration.

Now, the former Kansas center may have little reason to root for the U.S. in this World Cup. He'€™s a native of Cameroon, after all, and just moved from there to the States two years ago.

This did not deter the Twitter world from launching a 140-character assault at Embiid, though, much of it of a very non-family-friendly nature. Here are a few of the kinder responses:

Embiid was considered a surefire top-three pick a week ago, with the Cleveland Cavaliers expected to take him first overall. His foot surgery and the four- to six-month recovery period that accompanies it changed that sentiment, but most experts still do not see him falling much further than No. 5 or 6.

MORE FROM NESN:

German coach picks his nose before shaking hands with Cristiano Ronaldo

Joel Embiid takes hospital selfie before foot surgery

Celtics reportedly still interested in drafting Joel Embiid despite injury

share

Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Basketball Association