Joel Embiid, who has been feuding with the media recently, took it to a physical level on Saturday night.
The 76ers center shoved Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes following Philadelphia’s 124-107 home loss to the Grizzlies, taking issue with his recent column that referenced the player’s late brother and son — both named Arthur — but no punches were thrown.
The incident came a day after Embiid directly mentioned Hayes after he wrote his scathing column calling the center “the least-dependable superstar in the history of the game,” while also referencing his family members.
The column also questioned Embiid’s professionalism and effort for not being in shape after playing in the Paris Olympics in which Team USA won gold.
After the 76ers’ loss, as reporters entered the locker room to talk to players, Embiid stood 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 said to Hayes.
Embiid — who won the MVP award in the 2022-23 season — continued with several instances of profanity in the next few sentences. Hayes offered an apology, which Embiid did not want. “That’s not the f—— first time.” Embiid said.
The seven-time All-Star later said he doesn’t care what reporters say. “But you do,” Hayes answered.
Embiid, 30, appeared to get louder at that point, and not long afterward pushed Hayes on the shoulder while the team’s public relations chief got between them.
Another PR person moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outside the locker room, trying to clear reporters.
While this was going on, a team security person asked the media not to report on what had happened, but an incensed Embiid yelled over the security guard, saying, “They can do whatever they want. I don’t give a s–t.”
“We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation,” a league spokesperson told The Athletic.
Embiid had called Hayes out in a press conference following practice on Friday at the team’s training facility, referring to him as “Marcus, whatever his name is” and questioning critics of his prolonged absence.
Keep up with the most important sports news
Sign up for Starting Lineup for the biggest stories.
Thanks for signing up
Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Keith Pompey posted the following on X after the incident: “Oh, boy, people will remember the Sixers season for all the wrong reasons. The team just dropped to 1-4 and Joel Embiid assaulted a reporter in the locker room.” He then followed it up with another tweet that said: “The reporter was “shoved” by Embiid.”
Embiid, who has yet to make his 2024-25 debut with what the team refers to as left knee management, also clashed with the media on Friday over speculation questioning his toughness and desire to play.
“I’ve broken my face twice. I came back early with the risk of losing my vision,” Embiid told reporters on Friday. “When I see people saying, he doesn’t want to play, I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that. I do think it’s bulls–t. … I’ve done way too much for this f–king city to be treated like this.”
Embiid has dealt with numerous lower-body injuries throughout his 10-year career, and on Friday said his return to the court will count on “trusting” his balky right knee, but he anticipates playing “pretty soon.”
“I think it’s about being comfortable, trusting it,” Embiid said. “I want to be at my best. I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m afraid if I do this, I might do something. … Mentally I’m just dealing with getting that trust back.”
With Saturday’s loss, the 76ers fell to 1-4, including an 0-3 at home.
— with AP
