LeBron James accidentally dissed McDonald's -- one of his major sponsors.
On February 24 during a media appearance, LeBron discussed his personal health regimen then he implied that fast food giant McDonald's is not part of his usual diet because it is unhealthy. Bleacher Report wrote that James was talking about his eating and training habits since he joined the NBA.
When asked by a reporter when he started lifting weights seriously, he replied, "Ummm, 24."
James added, "I ate McDonald's my first couple years in the NBA. I didn't stretch. It didn't matter. I was 18 and could do whatever I wanted to."
Reporters obviously noticed that he threw his major sponsor under the bus with the statement and asked when he last ate at McDonald's.
James tried to bounce back, "Every day. Every day. Every day....I had it this morning. Egg-and-sausage McMuffin. All day."
Business Insider reported that James was signed by McDonald's in 2010.
When the opportunity was given to him five years ago, James said, "McDonald's and I make a great team. We share many of the same core values, including a commitment to excellence and giving back to the community. I am also excited about the opportunity to work with Ronald McDonald House Charities, which helps improve the lives of so many children and their families around the world."
McDonald's said about the newly forged partnership in 2010 in a News-Herald report, "LeBron is an All-Star, both on the court and in the community. We're looking forward to working with LeBron to showcase our brand in surprising ways while also raising awareness of and support for Ronald McDonald House Charities."
James reportedly earns about $53 million every year from endorsements. His first commercial was aired at the Superbowl in February 2010. He has appeared in various McDonald's commercials in the past several years. One advertisement featured him with Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard and NBA legend Larry Bird. It was not confirmed how much LeBron is earning from his McDonald's contract, but the fast food company signed him for several years.
When LeBron returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, McDonald's came up with a new advertisement featuring the NBA superstar and Mr. Monopoly riding shotgun as the two went for the drive-thru meal.
LeBron James and McDonald's did not yet comment on the matter when asked, but the NBA industry observers say he will most likely get a memo.