US soccer journalist Grant Wahl died in Qatar while covering the high-profile game between Argentina and the Netherlands. Wahl was also sharing updates from the FIFA World Cup minutes before his tragic death. According to reports, Wahl fell back on his seat in the designated area for media as emergency medical assistance came for help. However, he reportedly died despite emergency services trying to help him. NBA star LeBron James also shared a powerful message on Grant Wahl’s tragic death in Qatar.
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Los Angeles Lakers went down against the Philadelphia 76ers as Joel Embiid scored 38 points. LeBron James scored 23 points in 44 mins for the Lakers. However, it wasn’t enough for the Lakers to win on the road. The game went to OT as the Lakers could only score 2 points as compared to the Sixers’ 13.
Grant Wahl has been covering LeBron James for a long time since his college days. In fact, it was Wahl who labeled LeBron ‘The Chosen One’ way before his NBA days. It was a Sports Illustrated cover story on LeBron in his teenage days. King James has mourned the shocking passing of Wahl and shared his thoughts in a recent press conference.
LeBron James opens up on Grant Wahl’s shocking death during FIFA World Cup
After the loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis appeared before the media. LeBron talked about Grant Wahl’s unfortunate death in Qatar and refrained from speaking on the details.
“First of all, my condolences go out to his family. I saw his brother say something as well. Until we get further details into what transpired,” LeBron said.
LeBron James offered his remembrance of journalist Grant Wahl tonight in Philadelphia. Wahl, who died at the age of 48 while covering the World Cup in Qatar, wrote the first Sports Illustrated cover story on James – “The Chosen One” – when LeBron was still a teenager. pic.twitter.com/mZIMx1TJiB
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 10, 2022
He continued: “But I’m very fond of Grant and having that cover shoot me being a teenager and him covering that, it was a pretty cool thing. And he was always pretty cool to be around. He spent a lot of time in my hometown of Akron covering me over the course of time before that cover story came out. And I’ve always kind of watched from a distance.”
“Even when moved up in the ranks and became a professional and he kind of went to a different sport and things of that nature over the years, anytime his name would come up I would always think back to me as a teenager and having Grant in our building down at St. V. So, it’s a tragic loss. It’s unfortunate to lose someone as great as he was and I wish his family, like I said, the best. And may he rest in paradise,” James added.
It is indeed shocking to learn about Wahl. Wahl was previously arrested in Qatar by officials over wearing a rainbow t-shirt. However, he was released minutes later. Wahl’s brother Eric has taken to social media and questioned the shocking death of his brother.
Grant Wahl’s family question his mysterious death
Grant Wahl’s wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, is in ‘complete shock’ and took to social media to thank everyone for their support. However, Wahl’s brother, Eric, has questioned the death of his brother and said he believes there is foul play involved.
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“My name is Eric Wahl. I live in Seattle, Washington. I am Grant Wahl’s brother. I’m gay. I am the reason he wore the rainbow shirt to the World Cup. My brother was healthy. He told me he received death threats. I do not believe my brother just died. I believe he was killed. And I just beg for help,” Eric said in the video.
Absolutely bone chilling stuff
Soccer journalist Grant Wahl who was kicked out of a stadium in QATAR for this shirt has reportedly collapsed and passed away during the Argentina game today
His brother says on Instagram that Grant was fully healthy & believes there’s foul play pic.twitter.com/t47C2XfuVl
— JACK SETTLEMAN (@jacksettleman) December 10, 2022
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While Eric has expressed doubts over the death of his brother, ESPN reports suggest that Grant needed medical assistance inside the press area in Qatar. However, despite their attempt to save him, reports later revealed that Wahl died.
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