"Reporter pushed by Philadelphia 76ers' standout player Joel Embiid"
The star center for the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid, engaged in a verbal dispute with a local journalist that turned physical after the team's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.
The incident occurred in the Sixers' locker room, where Embiid confronted Marcus Hayes, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, about an article that mentioned Embiid's son and late brother. The piece also criticized the seven-time All-Star's ability to stay healthy and behave professionally.
As reporters entered the locker room, Embiid warned Hayes, "If you mention my deceased brother and son again, you'll see what I'm capable of and have to face the consequences."
Embiid continued with explicit language and rejected Hayes' attempt at an apology. When Hayes stated, "But you do care," Embiid raised his voice and pushed Hayes on the shoulder.
A public relations official for the 76ers intervened, while another staff member tried to remove reporters from the locker room.
Team security requested that the altercation not be reported, but Embiid had another message to deliver.
"They can do whatever they want," he declared. "I don't give a (expletive)."
The league has announced that it is investigating the incident.
"We are aware of reports of an altercation in the Sixers' locker room and are launching an investigation," a spokesperson for the NBA stated.
Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations for the Sixers, informed ESPN that he is also aware of the situation.
"We take this matter very seriously and are conducting an investigation. We have already spoken with the NBA," Morey said in a statement.
Embiid, who is 30 years old, has not played in any games this season due to managing a left knee injury. He played in only 39 games (all as a starter) in 2023-24.
During those 39 games, Embiid averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks.
Just two seasons ago, Embiid was named MVP after recording averages of 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 blocks in 66 games (all starts) during the 2022-23 season.
Philadelphia has started the season with a 1-4 record.
