Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was suspended by the NBA on Tuesday for three games without pay following an incident where he shoved a member of the media. Embiid’s suspension will commence with the next regular-season game for which he is eligible to play. The 2023 NBA MVP has yet to participate in any games this season due to what the 76ers describe as left knee management.
The Sixers start their road trip in Los Angeles against the Clippers on Wednesday night. The altercation occurred Saturday night in the locker room, where Embiid clashed with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. During the confrontation, Embiid shouted at and eventually shoved Hayes.
“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” stated league executive Joe Dumars while announcing the suspension. “While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter’s column, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”
Embiid became upset with Hayes’ columns that questioned the player’s professionalism and effort, including references to Embiid’s late brother and his son—both named Arthur—following his participation in the Paris Olympics. As reporters entered the locker room after a 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Embiid 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.
The confrontation escalated with Embiid using profanities in subsequent sentences. Hayes attempted to apologize, but Embiid rebuffed him, saying, “That’s not the f——— first time.”
Embiid later remarked that he does not care about what reporters say. “But you do,” Hayes replied. Embiid’s volume increased, and shortly afterward, he pushed Hayes on the shoulder. The team’s public relations chief intervened, attempting to de-escalate the situation, while another PR staff member moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outside the locker room to clear the area.
Joel Embiid, the No. 3 pick in the 2014 draft, missed his first two full seasons due to injuries. Since his debut season in 2016, he has participated in 433 of 805 possible regular-season games and only 59 of 67 potential playoff games.
