Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid allegedly confronted [1] and shoved a reporter following the team’s recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, according to reports.
The incident involved Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, who had written critically about Embiid, including references to the player’s late brother and young son.
An Associated Press report says the altercation began when Embiid approached Hayes in the locker room, voicing frustration over the mention of his family members in Hayes’ recent columns.
“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,” Embiid reportedly told Hayes.
During the heated exchange, Embiid allegedly used profanity and continued to express frustration.
When Hayes attempted to apologize, Embiid reportedly rejected it, responding, “That’s not the first time.” The exchange escalated, and witnesses claim that Embiid eventually shoved Hayes on the shoulder before the Sixers’ public relations chief stepped between them.
According to reports, Embiid then told security, “They can do whatever they want, I don’t give a s**t,” in reference to the media.
“Joel Embiid got into a physical altercation, shoving a columnist in the postgame locker room tonight.” @ShamsCharania [2] on Joel Embiid and the NBA’s investigation into the incident on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/p2z3nJqrEY [3]
— ESPN (@espn) November 3, 2024 [4]
The NBA acknowledged the incident, with a spokesperson stating, “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation.”
Hayes had recently published a column in which he questioned Embiid’s dedication to the team and implied that his conditioning issues contributed to his intermittent play.
Hayes criticized the 7-footer for not always being present for games, stating, “In order to be great at your job, you first have to show up for work.” He referenced Embiid’s frequent use of his son as a source of motivation but argued that Embiid’s conditioning concerns have persisted throughout his career.
In response to earlier criticism, Embiid expressed disappointment with Philadelphia media, singling out Hayes in a press conference last Friday. “I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk, for people to be saying I don’t want to play,” he said. Embiid added, “I’ve done way too f***ing much to be treated like this.”
Embiid, who played a prominent role in leading Team USA to a gold medal in the recent Paris Olympics, missed the Sixers’ season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, alongside fellow star Paul George.
His absence led to speculation about his health, ultimately resulting in the NBA fining the 76ers $100,000 for inconsistent statements from team leadership regarding his availability.
Team president Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse had reportedly provided conflicting updates about Embiid’s condition before the season began.
The situation follows a series of controversies surrounding Embiid’s availability, including reports that the 2023 MVP is hesitant to participate in back-to-back games.
Recently, Embiid signed a $193 million contract extension with the 76ers, solidifying his presence in Philadelphia after nine seasons with the franchise since being drafted third overall in 2014.
The altercation comes amid a broader discussion about media access in professional sports, particularly in locker rooms.
The NFL players’ union, for instance, has recently pushed for limiting postgame locker room interviews, suggesting that they should be conducted outside team changing areas.
Throughout his career, Embiid has been a dominant force in the NBA, with multiple All-Star appearances and a league MVP title in 2023.
He remains one of the league’s premier centers and a key figure for the 76ers as they navigate the new season.