Joel Embiid Suspended For Three Games After Altercation With journalist
The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid for three games without pay, with the 30-year-old reportedly set to lose $1 million in wages after he shoved a journalist in the squad's locker room. Embiid confronted Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes after a critical column questioning the player's professionalism, with the NBA now taking action against the 2023 MVP.
Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid has been suspended for three games without pay after shouting at and shoving a local journalist, the NBA has announced.
The incident occurred in the 76ers' locker room after their 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Saturday. Embiid took issue with a critical column written by Marcus Hayes in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
ESPN reported that Embiid confronted Hayes as reporters assembled to speak to players, swearing at and later shoving him before a team official intervened and separated the pair.
That altercation has now proved costly, with the All-Star centre receiving a three-game suspension without pay, which it is believed will cost him over $1 million in lost salary.
“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” Joe Dumars, head of basketball operations, said.
“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.”
Hayes had written a column questioning Emiid's professionalism and attitude. The 30-year-old has not played a game this season as he manages recovery from a left knee injury that required surgery in January.
The one-time NBA MVP did, however, help Team USA to Olympic gold in Paris this summer.
Hayes' column also mentioned Embiid's son and late brother, which the player took particular issue with. The columnist attempted to apologise for the comments but his apology was rebuffed.
“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 reportedly said to Hayes.
A testy exchange followed where he allegedly swore at and then shoved the journalist, resulting in a public relations officer stepping in and the media being taken out of the locker room.
The suspension will cover the 76ers' next three games - a Los Angeles double away to the Clippers and Lakers, before hosting the Charlotte Hornets.
Embiid is set to make his return to competition next Tuesday against the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup.
