Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid receives 3-game suspension for pushing journalist
The NBA imposed a three-game suspension on Joel Embiid, the star center for the Philadelphia 76ers, on Tuesday for pushing a columnist in the team's locker room.
Following an investigation, the league confirmed reports that Embiid had shoved a member of the media on Saturday night during the media's post-game locker room access after the 76ers' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Embiid's suspension will commence with the next game "for which he is eligible and able to play," according to the NBA, delaying his season debut even further.
Joe Dumars, the league's head of basketball operations, stated in a news release, "Mutual respect is crucial to the relationship between players and media in the NBA. While we understand that Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter's column, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical."
Embiid has not yet played this season due to pain in his surgically repaired left knee, but he has already received a technical foul and a suspension. The post-game technical was given for waving a towel in the air while an opponent was attempting a free throw.
Saturday's incident was much more serious. Marcus Hayes, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, had criticized Embiid for his lack of availability, mentioning Embiid's son and late brother Arthur and accusing the former league MVP of letting people down.
Before the game against the Grizzlies, Embiid made it clear that he was unhappy with Hayes' column. On Saturday, Hayes returned to the 76ers' locker room, and he and Embiid engaged in what one witness described as "a verbal back-and-forth" with profanity.
Another report from the locker room stated that Embiid said, "The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son, you will see what I will do to you and I will have to live with the consequences."
Embiid rejected Hayes' attempt to apologize, after which he reportedly shoved Hayes on the shoulder.
