76ers’ Joel Embiid shoves columnist during locker-room confrontation, prompting NBA investigation

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid reportedly shoved a journalist Saturday night after taking issue with a recent column that referenced the star’s son and late brother.

The shove of Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes in the Sixers’ locker room followed a verbal confrontation, according to The Associated Press and others, after the columnist published his piece questioning the athlete’s commitment and professionalism.

“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 allegedly told Hayes.

The Sixers’ chief of public relations reportedly intervened as Embiid shoved Hayes.

The NBA said it is investigating the situation.

Hayes’ column referencing Embiid’s family was one of several recent pieces in which he was critical of the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player.

Embiid sat out of the Sixers’ 124-107 loss at home to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday due to left knee injury management and is yet to play this season. The Sixers, who have also been without Paul George, fell to 1-4.

The 7-foot Embiid underwent surgery on the lateral meniscus in his left knee in February, costing him about two months.

He returned before the end of the 2023-24 regular season and played at least 39 minutes in each of Philadelphia’s six games in their first-round playoff loss to the Knicks. He then played for the gold-winning Team USA at the Olympics over the summer.

During Friday’s practice, Embiid named Hayes — saying “Marcus, whatever his name is” — as he defended himself from those criticizing his inactivity on game days.

“I’ve done way too much for this city … to be treated like this,” Embiid said 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.”

With News Wire Services