A visibly indignant Joel Embiid yelled and ultimately shoved a Philadelphia newspaper columnist in a locker room altercation after the struggling Philadelphia 76ers misplaced to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night time.
The NBA shortly mentioned it had opened an investigation into the matter.
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 having performed within the Paris Olympics. Embiid has but to play for the 76ers this season.
As reporters entered the locker room to speak to the gamers, Embiid stood up and confronted Hayes.
“Next time you speak about my lifeless brother and my son once more, you will see what I’ll do to you and I’ll must… reside with the implications,” Embiid instructed Hayes .
Embiid continued, with a number of examples of profanity within the subsequent few sentences. Hayes apologized, which Embiid did not need. “It’s not the f——— first time.” Embiid mentioned.
Embiid later mentioned he would not care what reporters say. “But you do,” Hayes replied.
Embiid gave the impression to be getting stronger at that time, and never lengthy after he nudged Hayes within the shoulder because the group’s public relations head stepped between them. Another public relations particular person moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway exterior the locker room, attempting to exonerate the reporters.
At the identical time, a group safety officer requested the media to not report on the incident. Embiid yelled over the safety guard.
“They can do no matter they need,” Embiid mentioned. “I do not give it as—-.”
Embiid had known as out Hayes in a information convention after Friday’s observe on the group’s coaching facility, referring to him as “Marcus, no matter his identify is” and questioning critics about his prolonged absence.
Hayes just lately wrote an article saying Embiid disrespects the 76ers and the sport and that the group ought to think about giving followers refunds when Embiid would not play.
“I’ve executed an excessive amount of for this … metropolis to be handled this manner, I’ve executed too … lots,” Embiid mentioned Friday. “I want I used to be as fortunate as others, however that does not imply I’m not attempting and doing the whole lot it takes to be on the market, which I will likely be right here very quickly.”
Hayes was not at observe Friday. It’s unclear when Embiid will play, and the NBA investigation will decide whether or not disciplinary motion is warranted.
Associated Press reporting.
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