Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers appears on throughout a timeout in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucks within the first half on the Wells Fargo Heart on October 23, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.| Picture by Mitchell Leff / Getty Photos by way of AFP
PHILADELPHIA — A visibly offended Joel Embiid shouted at and finally shoved a Philadelphia newspaper columnist in a locker room altercation after the struggling 76ers misplaced to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night time.
The NBA shortly mentioned it has opened an investigation into the matter.
NBA: Embiid confronts reporter
Embiid took situation with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, who talked about the All-Star heart’s late brother and his son — each named Arthur — in columns questioning Embiid’s professionalism and energy not being in form after taking part in within the Paris Olympics. Embiid has but to play for the 76ers this season.
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As reporters entered the locker room to speak to gamers, Embiid stood and confronted Hayes.
“The following time you deliver up my useless brother and my son once more, you will see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to must … reside with the implications,” Embiid mentioned to Hayes.
Embiid continued, with a number of cases of profanity within the subsequent few sentences. Hayes supplied an apology, which Embiid didn’t need. “That’s not the f——— first time.” Embiid mentioned.
Embiid later mentioned that he doesn’t care what reporters say. “However you do,” Hayes answered.
Embiid appeared to get louder at that time, and never lengthy afterward pushed Hayes on the shoulder whereas the group’s public relations chief acquired between them. One other PR particular person moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outdoors the locker room, making an attempt to clear reporters.
On the similar time, a group safety particular person requested the media to not report on what had occurred. Embiid yelled over the safety guard.
“They will do no matter they need,” Embiid mentioned. “I don’t give a s—-.”
Story on Embiid disrespecting 76ers
Embiid had known as Hayes out in a press convention following observe on Friday on the group’s coaching facility, referring to him as “Marcus, no matter his identify is” and questioning critics of his extended absence.
Hayes lately wrote a narrative saying that Embiid disrespects the 76ers and the sport, and that the group ought to think about giving followers refunds when Embiid doesn’t play.
“I’ve finished approach an excessive amount of for this … metropolis to be handled like this, finished approach too … a lot,” Embiid mentioned Friday. “I want I used to be as fortunate as different ones, however that doesn’t imply that I’m not making an attempt and I’m not doing no matter it takes to be on the market, which I’m gonna be right here fairly quickly.”
Hayes was not on the observe on Friday. It stays unclear when Embiid will play, and the NBA probe will decide if disciplinary motion is warranted.
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