Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been suspended for three games following a physical altercation with a reporter after the team’s Saturday loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The incident reportedly originated from a column by Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Inquirer, in which Hayes criticized Embiid’s recent absences and included remarks about the player’s late brother and young son.
The NBA star has not made any appearances this season due to injury and confronted Hayes at the Wells Fargo Center after the game.
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According to a TMZ report, Embiid warned Hayes, saying: “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.”
The reporter tried to apologize, yet Embiid was taking none of it and rejected the apology. He was seen angry and reportedly pushed Hayes on the shoulder before 76ers staff intervened to de-escalate the situation.
The NBA announced Embiid’s suspension on Wednesday, with Executive Vice President Joe Dumars stating, “Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA. While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the reporter’s column, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”
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Embiid’s suspension will take effect once he is listed as an active player and it could mark a rocky start to the season for both him and the 76ers.
