Lebron’s Courtside Wine Sip Sparks Buzz as Fan Shares Story

WHO:

ESPN - Troy Clemons was identified as the fan involved, a longtime 76ers season-ticket holder who grew up with Julius Erving’s sons.

ESPN - James said he drinks a glass of wine a day and described red wine as his favorite.

Pro Football Network - LeBron James took a sip from a fan’s wine during an NBA game.

Pro Football Network - Dave Portnoy criticized the viral moment; NBA fans had mixed reactions.

NY Post - A Philadelphia 76ers fan shared his perspective on LeBron James taking and sipping his wine.

Daily Mail Sports - LeBron James was described as a wine aficionado.

WHAT:

ESPN - James said, “I wanted to see if it was worth it on my arm, how good it was. It was all right.”

ESPN - Clemons said, “I'm just glad for him to be here,” and, “I'm not worried about the wine getting on me.”

ESPN - James recorded 15 points, seven rebounds and nine assists; Philadelphia improved to 7-1.

ESPN - James danced after an and-one layup and later danced with Tyrese Maxey after Maxey scored an and-one.

Pro Football Network - James’s midgame sip of a fan’s wine went viral and prompted mixed reactions.

Pro Football Network - Portnoy slammed the moment; some reactions included “Bron Having Too Much Fun” and “If Anybody Else Did This…”

NY Post - The 76ers fan spoke honestly about James taking and sipping his wine.

Daily Mail Sports - James ran into the crowd and took a quick sip of a fan’s wine during the game.

Daily Mail Sports - The Philadelphia 76ers beat the visiting Chicago Bulls, 126-107.

WHERE:

Pro Football Network - The game was between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls.

NY Post - The fan was a Philadelphia 76ers fan.

Daily Mail Sports - The game was played at the 76ers’ home venue; the Bulls were visiting.

WHY:

ESPN - James said finding ways to have fun helps prevent the long season from wearing on him; he also said he wanted to appreciate small moments and be a showman for fans.

HOW:

ESPN - James collided with Clemons while chasing a loose ball, then sampled the wine.

ESPN - James previously mimed sipping a beer from a vendor’s bottle during Game 1 of the 2017 Eastern Conference semifinals, then handed it back.

Daily Mail Sports - James ran into the crowd and took a sip directly from the fan’s wine.

LeBron James sampled a Philadelphia fan’s wine after colliding with him while chasing a loose ball. James said having fun helps keep the long season from wearing on him. Longtime 76ers season-ticket holder Troy Clemons welcomed the moment, while online reactions were mixed.