Following a 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was involved in a confrontation with a reporter.
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Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer initially reported, "Oh, boy, people will remember the Sixers season for all the wrong reasons. The team just dropped to 1-4 and Joel Embiid assaulted a reporter in the locker room."
Although there is no video footage at this time, it appears there was an argument between Embiid and a columnist, who has been identified as Marcus Hayes.
To note, Hayes recently wrote an article criticizing Embiid sitting out, and he mentioned his brother and son, who both tragically passed away.
In view of what presumably set Embiid off, within the article, Hayes said, "He often says that he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in an automobile accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er."
He continued, "Well, in order to be great at your job, you first have to show up for work. Embiid has been great at just the opposite. Now in his 11th season, he consistently has been in poor condition. This poor conditioning apparently seems to have delayed his debut this season."
It now makes total sense why Joel Embiid had an issue with the reporter/columnist who wrote this disgusting article about Joel and his family.
No matter what family should always be off-limits for the media. https://t.co/KXCRndZcWR pic.twitter.com/q622iHztNN
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 3, 2024
During Saturday night's postgame back-and-forth that was witnessed between the NBA player and reporter, Embiid was vocal about his disapproval with Hayes talking about his late brother.
"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.
"Say what you want about me as a player, but don't ever put my dead brother's name in your mouth. Don't talk about my family. Don't bring them into this. Be a man, talk to me about ball."
ESPN's Shams Charania also reported the news (via X), but has clarified that Embiid didn't throw a punch, as it is now being described as a shove.
"76ers' Joel Embiid got in an altercation with a columnist following tonight's game in Philadelphia. Embiid took issue with a recent column that referenced his late brother and son, and Embiid shoved the columnist. No punch."
NBA spokesman tells ESPN: “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation.” https://t.co/mfv4sfNm7r
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 3, 2024
To point out, this is not the first time that Embiid has called out Hayes, as when talking to reporters on Friday, he stated, "Marcus, whatever his name is."
Embiid went on to say, "I've done way too much for this city to be treated like this, done way too much. I wish I was as lucky as other ones, but that doesn't mean that I'm not trying and I'm not doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I'm gonna be here pretty soon."
With Embiid yet to play in a game this year, the Sixers currently sit near the bottom of the standings with a 1-4 record.
Although Embiid participated in the 2024 Olympics and helped lead Team USA to a gold medal victory in Paris, the 30-year-old's absence from the court stems from an individualized recovery program for his surgically repaired left knee after suffering a torn meniscus last season.
X/@PHL_Influencer
The 2023 MVP will hope to return soon, as the team awaits him and newly acquired star, Paul George (knee), to make their season debut.
Related: Joel Embiid Heckled After Arriving In France For The Olympics
