Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was involved in a heated altercation on Saturday night after their 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, shouting at a Philadelphia columnist before eventually shoving him.
Embiid reportedly took issue with a recent article written by Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. In the column, Hayes brings up Embiid’s son and late brother while questioning Embiid’s dedication and professionalism. As reporters were allowed to enter the locker room after the game, Embiid confronted Hayes.
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“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 said to Hayes.
Embiid continued to berate Hayes for the classless column, and when Hayes offered an apology, Embiid did not accept. He continued by saying he doesn’t care what reporters say, to which Hayes responded with “But you do.”
This reportedly caused Embiid to raise his voice and shove Hayes in the shoulder before being separated. As a security member told reporters not to report on the incident, Embiid shouted over him.
“They can do whatever they want, I don’t give a s—,” Embiid said.
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An NBA investigation is now underway following the incident.
“We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation,” an NBA spokesman said in a statement.
Embiid didn’t play in Saturday’s game due to left knee injury management. Both Embiid and Paul George have yet to make their season debut for the Philadelphia 76ers, who have now dropped to 1-4.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
