On Wednesday night, Philadelphia 76ers’ star Joel Embiid expressed his frustration regarding the public disclosure of a team meeting, stating, “Whoever leaked that is a real piece of (expletive).”

After the 76ers suffered their twelfth loss, bringing their record to a league-worst 2-12, reporters inquired about a meeting held on Monday night in which All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey confronted Embiid about his lateness.

“We discussed a lot during that meeting,” Embiid said, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I’d rather not go into specifics, but that talk with Maxey was probably just 30 seconds. Yet, since it’s Joel Embiid, everything gets exaggerated.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll shoulder the responsibility. I’m the reason for everything, so I’ll take the blame.”

The season has been challenging for the 76ers as both Embiid and new addition Paul George faced knee injuries, while Maxey also dealt with a hamstring issue.

The team incorrectly reported on Embiid’s injury, leading to a $100,000 fine for violating the NBA’s player participation rules. The league determined that Embiid has a “left knee condition,” suggesting that the 76ers were not entirely transparent about his injury status.

In Wednesday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Embiid, Maxey, and George started together for the first time. Unfortunately, George left the game in the third quarter due to a hyperextended left knee, the same injury that sidelined him earlier in the season.

During the game, Embiid achieved season highs with 35 minutes played, scoring 35 points and securing 11 rebounds.

Earlier this month, on November 5, the NBA handed Embiid a three-game suspension for an incident where he pushed a reporter in response to a critical article that referenced his late brother, Arthur, and his son, also named Arthur.

In a press conference in October, Embiid expressed his frustration with critics who suggested he was avoiding playing time. “I’ve done so much for this (expletive) city, putting myself at risk for people to say that,” he stated.

The 76ers are currently trailing the first-place team in the Eastern Conference by 12.5 games, but they’re only four games behind the sixth seed, which assures a playoff spot.

“It’s quite frustrating to deal with the same issues repeatedly,” Embiid commented on the media scrutiny he faces. “This has been the case throughout my career. I just focus on basketball and providing for my family, both on and off the court.”

“It’s unbelievable how negativity seems to follow us around. I don’t understand it, but it’s unfortunate. Still, we all have to improve,” he added.

Embiid confirmed that he harbors no resentment towards Maxey and is committed to making improvements.

“Our relationship is solid — there’s nothing personal,” Embiid stated. “I appreciate when people point out areas where I can improve. Even if the tardiness issue only happened a couple of times when I wasn’t on the court.”

“I recognize I need to be better. I strive for perfection and being precise, and I am committed to doing that as I have always done.”