A visibly enraged Joel Embiid confronted and ultimately pushed a Philadelphia newspaper columnist in a locker room incident following the 76ers' loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. The NBA swiftly announced it has initiated an investigation into the altercation. Embiid took offense to Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, who had mentioned the All-Star center’s late brother and his son, both named Arthur, in columns that questioned Embiid’s professionalism and fitness after his participation in the Paris Olympics. Embiid has not yet played for the 76ers this season.
As reporters entered the locker room to interview players, Embiid stood up and confronted Hayes. “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 warned Hayes. Embiid continued, using several profanities in the following sentences. Hayes attempted an apology, which Embiid rejected, stating, “That’s not the fucking first time.” Embiid later declared that he doesn’t care what reporters say. “But you do,” Hayes responded.
Embiid seemed to raise his voice at that point, and shortly thereafter, he pushed Hayes on the shoulder while the team’s public relations chief intervened. Another PR staff member moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outside the locker room to clear reporters. Simultaneously, a team security person asked the media not to report on the incident. Embiid shouted over the security guard, “They can do whatever they want. I don’t give a shit.”
Earlier, Embiid had called out Hayes during a press conference following practice on Friday at the team’s training facility, referring to him as “Marcus, whatever his name is” and addressing critics of his extended absence. Hayes recently penned an article suggesting that Embiid disrespects the 76ers and the game, and that the team should consider offering refunds to fans when Embiid doesn’t play. “I’ve done way too much for this … city to be treated like this, done way too ... much,” Embiid said on Friday. “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.” Hayes was not present at the practice on Friday. The exact timing of Embiid’s return remains uncertain, and the NBA’s investigation will determine if any disciplinary action is necessary.
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