LeBron James explains 'all right' wine sip in Philadelphia arena

LeBron James turned a collision into a viral moment on Monday night, taking a sip of red wine from a fan's cup during the Philadelphia 76ers' win against the Chicago Bulls. According to the New York Post ^[1], the 41-year-old superstar crashed into the stands while chasing a loose ball in the third quarter. Before returning to the court, cameras caught him taking a glass of wine from a fan and taking a quick taste.

The fan involved was identified as Troy Clemons, a longtime Sixers season ticket holder. ESPN reported ^[2] that James collided with Clemons, who was carrying his favorite drink. James later addressed the incident with media, explaining that he wanted to see if the wine spilled on his arm was good. "It was all right," James said with a smile, according to an X post by ESPN's Kris Rhim.

Clemons offered his perspective on the unexpected interaction. He told ESPN ^[2] that he wasn't star-struck or upset about the wine being touched. "I'm just glad for him to be here," Clemons said. "I'm not worried about the wine getting on me." Clemons added that he threw the original cup in the trash and got a fresh drink afterward, per the New York Post ^[1].

The 76ers won the game 126-107, moving to a 7-1 start on the season. James finished with 15 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. Beyond the wine sip, the evening featured James dancing after an and-one layup and passing to teammates in tight windows. He described the night as the most fun he has had since joining Philadelphia. "Listen, it's a long marathon. If you don't find ways to have fun throughout it... then it could wear on you," James said.

This isn't James' first brush with alcohol during a game. In 2017, he playfully grabbed a beer bottle from a vendor after missing an and-one layup. The Sixers now look ahead to a matchup against the Detroit Pistons, the only team to defeat them this season.