In a surprising turn of events, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been suspended for three games by the NBA. The league announced the suspension following an incident where Embiid shoved a reporter. The news was initially broken on Twitter.
The Tweet read,
“Sixers star Joel Embiid has been suspended 3 games for shoving a reporter, the NBA says. Embiid will serve his suspension as soon as he is healthy and deemed eligible to play.”
🚨 BREAKING:
Sixers star Joel Embiid has been suspended 3 games for shoving a reporter, the NBA says.
Embiid will serve his suspension as soon as he is healthy and deemed eligible to play. pic.twitter.com/4y439SStA6
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 5, 2024
Incident Details
The incident occurred following a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on November 2, 2024. Embiid confronted Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes in the locker room after Hayes wrote a column that mentioned Embiid’s late brother and his son, both named Arthur. Embiid took issue with the personal nature of the column, which questioned his professionalism and effort.
Joel Embiid’s Reaction
During the confrontation, Embiid shouted at Hayes and eventually shoved him on the shoulder. Embiid warned 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”. Hayes offered an apology, which Embiid did not accept.
NBA’s Response
The NBA’s executive vice president and head of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, emphasized the importance of mutual respect between players and the media. Dumars stated, “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.”
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