PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A visibly indignant Joel Embiid shouted at and ultimately shoved a Philadelphia newspaper columnist in a locker room altercation after the struggling 76ers misplaced to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday evening.
The NBA shortly stated it has opened an investigation into the matter.
Embiid took subject with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, who talked about the All-Star middle’s late brother and his son — each named Arthur — in columns questioning Embiid’s professionalism and energy not being in form after taking part in within the Paris Olympics. Embiid has but to play for the 76ers this season.
As reporters entered the locker room to speak to gamers, Embiid stood and confronted Hayes.
“The following time you convey up my useless brother and my son once more, you’ll see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to need to … reside with the implications,” Embiid stated to Hayes.
Embiid continued, with a number of situations of profanity within the subsequent few sentences. Hayes supplied an apology, which Embiid didn’t need. “That’s not the f——— first time.” Embiid stated.
Embiid later stated that he doesn’t care what reporters say. “However you do,” Hayes answered.
Embiid appeared to get louder at that time, and never lengthy afterward pushed Hayes on the shoulder whereas the staff’s public relations chief obtained between them. One other PR particular person moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway exterior the locker room, attempting to clear reporters.
On the similar time, a staff safety particular person requested the media to not report on what had occurred. Embiid yelled over the safety guard.
“They will do no matter they need,” Embiid stated. “I don’t give a s—-.”
Embiid had referred to as Hayes out in a press convention following apply on Friday on the staff’s coaching facility, referring to him as “Marcus, no matter his identify is” and questioning critics of his extended absence.
Hayes just lately wrote a narrative saying that Embiid disrespects the 76ers and the sport, and that the staff ought to contemplate giving followers refunds when Embiid doesn’t play.
“I’ve performed method an excessive amount of for this … metropolis to be handled like this, performed method too … a lot,” Embiid stated Friday. “I want I used to be as fortunate as different ones, however that doesn’t imply that I’m not attempting and I’m not doing no matter it takes to be on the market, which I’m gonna be right here fairly quickly.”
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Hayes was not on the apply on Friday. It stays unclear when Embiid will play, and the NBA probe will decide if disciplinary motion is warranted.
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