NBA investigating reports that Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid shoved columnist

The NBA is currently investigating an incident involving Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid, who allegedly confronted and shoved a columnist after the team’s recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. This incident highlights the tension between players and the media, especially when personal matters are brought into the public discourse.

According to reports from the Associated Press, the altercation occurred as reporters entered the 76ers’ locker room following Saturday night’s game. A visibly upset Embiid approached Marcus Hayes, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, whose recent article criticized the player for being unprepared for the season. In the column, published on October 23, Hayes referenced Embiid’s late brother, Arthur, and his young son, which sparked an intense reaction from the player.

Embiid reportedly expressed his anger directly to Hayes, warning, “The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I’m going to do to you, and I’m going to have to … live with the consequences.” This statement reflects the emotional weight of Hayes’ remarks, which touched on deeply personal topics.

Despite Hayes attempting to apologize to Embiid, the 76ers center was unyielding. Their exchange escalated when Hayes pointed out, “But you do,” after Embiid dismissed the importance of reporters’ comments. This led to a louder confrontation, culminating in Embiid allegedly pushing Hayes on the shoulder, prompting the team’s public relations director to intervene.

In response to the incident, an NBA spokesperson confirmed that the league has initiated an investigation. “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation,” the spokesperson stated.

However, the Philadelphia Inquirer released a statement defending Hayes. “Marcus is an experienced and accomplished columnist who offers sharp and illuminating commentary grounded in his observations,” said Gabriel Escobar, the Inquirer’s editor. He emphasized that while criticism is part of the job, physical confrontations are unacceptable.

In Hayes’ original column, he critiqued Embiid’s professionalism, questioning his commitment to the team. “Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son, Arthur, as a major inflection point in his career. He often says he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in an automobile accident,” Hayes wrote. He argued that to achieve greatness, Embiid needed to demonstrate reliability, particularly regarding his fitness for games. “This poor conditioning apparently seems to have delayed his debut this season,” he added.

Embiid responded to the criticism in a previous press conference, expressing frustration over allegations that he does not want to play. “When I see people say ‘he does not want to play,’ I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that. I do think this is bullsh*t,” he said. His passionate remarks underscored his commitment to the team and his dedication to the Philadelphia fanbase. “I wish I was as lucky as the other ones, but that does not mean I’m not doing whatever it takes to be out there,” he asserted.

The 76ers are currently grappling with their performance this season, sitting at 1-4 following their latest loss. The team recently faced penalties from the NBA, including a $100,000 fine, for public statements made by team president Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse that contradicted Embiid’s health status.

In September, Embiid signed a lucrative three-year contract extension with the 76ers worth approximately $192.9 million. As of now, he has yet to appear in a game this season, raising concerns about his readiness to contribute as the team navigates its challenging start.

The situation reflects the high-pressure environment of professional sports, where personal and professional boundaries often blur, especially when public figures are involved. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to see how both the NBA and the Philadelphia 76ers handle the implications of this incident and its impact on team dynamics and media relationships moving forward.