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[Saba Sports News] Pat Riley didn’t snatch cookies straight from LeBron James’ hands — but according to legend, he did put an end to the treats altogether.
That’s the story, at least. Earlier this year, Dwyane Wade shared a memorable anecdote about Riley cracking down on LeBron’s cookie consumption during their time with the Miami Heat.
Appearing on The Underground Lounge, Wade recalled that Riley once had LeBron’s beloved cookies banned from team flights. For Wade, that moment was a subtle red flag, “LeBron might not be back.”
On Wednesday, LeBron confirmed the cookie tale during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, though he offered a few more details.
He explained that the flight crew used to bring him two fresh chocolate chip cookies every flight — they knew he was a fan. But then, one day, the cookies just disappeared.
“I’d get on, and they already knew — two cookies and we’re good,” LeBron said. “Then one flight I got on, and they gave me this look… not a good look. They said, ‘No, we’re not allowed to… no more cookies on these flights.’”
LeBron immediately knew who was behind it. “I looked at D-Wade, D-Wade looked at me. Without even saying a word, he was like, ‘F—ing Riles has done it again. Riles strikes again.’”
You can check out LeBron’s full retelling [here].
Of course, LeBron’s decision to leave Miami and return to Cleveland was about far more than a dessert ban. But the cookie saga is a perfect example of the control Pat Riley exerts over his teams — right down to the snacks.
Riley has had his share of run-ins with NBA stars over the years, but as far as we know, LeBron might be the only one who got into it over chocolate chip cookies.