Harden calls Sixers Pres. Morey a ‘liar’ ... twice
James Harden appears determined to sever ties with the Philadelphia 76ers after the star guard called team President Daryl Morey a liar at a promotional event in China.
Harden’s comments — video of which surfaced Monday — came almost seven weeks after he picked up his $35.6 million option with the 76ers for this season and then promptly said he wanted to be traded.
The Sixers told Harden’s agent, Mike Silverman, over the weekend that Morey was unable to find a suitable deal and the franchise was not compelled to deal him unless it could find a package that would enhance their chance to contend, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said at the event. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”
Harden had posted mostly fan-friendly videos of the Asian tour on his Instagram account and appeared to make the comments at an event for the sneaker company that endorses him.
Harden, who turns 34 later this month, could have declined the option and decided to try for free agency. Harden preferred a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers but those talks — and talks with other teams — went nowhere.
Despite his comments, there was no immediate word on Harden’s status for training camp, which opens in October — though it certainly doesn’t seem promising.
Trivia question
Who led the NBA in assists last season?
Professor Manning
Peyton Manning, the five-time NFL MVP and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has a new title.
Just call him Professor Manning. Manning has been appointed a professor of practice at the College of Communication and Information starting this fall. Manning graduated from Tennessee in 1997 with a degree in speech communication.
Manning, who earlier launched the Omaha Productions entertainment company, will join classes during the year as a featured expert.
Were they blindsided?
Michael Oher, the former NFL tackle known for the movie “The Blind Side,” filed a petition Monday in a Tennessee probate court accusing Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy of lying to him by having him sign papers making them his conservators rather than his adoptive parents nearly two decades ago.
In the petition filed Monday in Shelby County Probate Court, Oher asks for the conservatorship to be terminated along with asking for a full accounting of the money earned off the use of his name and story.
He also asks to be paid what he is due along with interest. Oher, who has never been a fan of the movie of his life, also asks in the petition that the Tuohys be sanctioned and required to pay both compensatory and punitive damages determined by the court.
Steve Farese, a lawyer for the Tuohys, told The Associated Press that they will file an answer to the allegations in court but he declined to comment further. He was among three attorneys served on behalf of the Tuohys on Monday.
Leigh Anne Tuohy did not immediately respond to an email sent to her personal website.
The movie was nominated for an Oscar, and Sandra Bullock won the Academy Award for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.
In the petition, Oher says he only learned in February that the Tuohys remain his conservators.
Oher accuses the Tuohys of never trying to take legal action to assume custody from the Tennessee Department of Human Services before he turned 18.
Trivia answer
Trae Young had the most assists with 741, but Harden had the highest average per game at 10.7. Young’s was 10.2. Nikola Jokic averaged 9.8 per game.