Joel Embiid got into an altercation with a local columnist in the locker room after the 76ers‘ loss on Saturday, yelling at him before finally shoving him.
PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid had an altercation with a local columnist in the locker room after the defeat of the 76ers 124-107 against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, yelling at him during an exchange of words before finally pushing him.
“We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room tonight and are launching an investigation,” an NBA spokesperson said in a statement.
Embiid took issue with a recent column by Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. In it, Hayes mentioned Embiid’s late brother and his son, both named Arthur, while questioning Embiid’s professionalism and his efforts to stay in shape.
When the journalists entered the locker room to talk to the players, Embiid stood up and confronted Hayes.
“The next time you mention my dead brother and my son again, you’ll see what I’m going to do to you and I’ll have to… live with the consequences.”Embiid told Hayes.
Embiid he continued, with several instances of profanity in the following sentences. Hayes offered an apology, which Embiid did not want. “This isn’t the first time,” Embiid said.
Embiid He later said that he doesn’t care what journalists say. “But you do,” Hayes replied.
“Next time you mention my dead brother and my son again, you’re going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to have to… live with the consequences,” Embiid told Hayes.
Embiid he continued, with several instances of profanity in the following sentences. Hayes offered an apology, which Embiid didn’t want. “That’s not the first time,” Embiid said.
Embiid He later said that he doesn’t care what journalists say. “But you do,” Hayes replied.
Embiid seemed to speak louder at that momentand not long afterward he shoved Hayes on the shoulder as the team’s public relations chief stood between them. Another PR person moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outside the locker room, trying to clear the way for reporters.
At the same time, a team security person asked the media not to report on what had happened. Embiid yelled over the security guard.
“They can do whatever they want,” Embiid said. “I don’t give a s—“.
76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey told ESPN‘s Tim Bontemps that they are aware of the incident.
“We take the situation very seriously and are investigating, and have already spoken with the NBA,” Morey said in a statement.
Embiid He did not play in Saturday’s game, the fifth consecutive game he has missed early in the season due to a left knee injury. Both he and Paul George, who suffered a bruise on his left knee after stepping awkwardly in a preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 14, have yet to play this season for the 76ers (1-4).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
