Joel Embiid confronts, shoves columnist in Sixers locker room originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Joel Embiid on Saturday night confronted a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist regarding a recent piece that criticized the star center’s desire to “show up for work” referencing Embiid’s late brother and young son.
Embiid, who missed the first five games of the Sixers with a “left knee injury management” designationcontacted Marcus Hayes of the investigator after the loss of the equipment to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Shortly after reporters entered the locker room for a postgame media availability, Embiid walked up to Hayes and the two had a brief back-and-forth. Hayes asked if he could apologize to Embiid, who refused. The exchange quickly escalated and Embiid shoved Hayes before being separated.
Shams Charania of the Athletic reported that the NBA is investigating the incident.
Hayes previously apologized for X for his October 23 column. The Inquirer removed the references to Embiid’s late brother and son, both named Arthur.
In 2014, Embiid’s brother was hit by a truck in Cameroon and died at 13 years old.
Embiid started the “In Memory of Arthur Initiative” in 2022pledging to give $1 million to Philadelphia-area nonprofits. He hosted a block party this summer for about 200 kids from those organizations.
“It’s still hard to think about the whole thing,” Embiid said on Sept. 27. “He’s one of the reasons I’m doing this. He’s someone who cared about everyone. It’s funny, all the stories I’ve heard – because I haven’t been around since I left Cameroon – and to come back after his death, all stories I heard … just someone who cared about anyone and who always gave back.”
Embiid called Hayes on Friday during a press conference about his left knee and replay process. Hayes was not present Friday.
“When I see people saying he doesn’t want to play … I’ve been through way too much,” Embiid said. “I’ve done way too much for this city and put myself at risk for people to say that, so I think it’s bulls—. Like that guy… he’s not here — Marcus, whatever his name is. I’ve done way too much for this f—ing town to be treated like this. I did too much.
“Like I said, I’d like to be as lucky as other (players), but that doesn’t mean I’m not trying and I’m not doing everything necessary to be out there, which I will be. here soon.”
The 1-4 Sixers will begin a three-game road trip Monday night against the Suns. Embiid said Friday that “everything is trending the right way” with his health but did not anticipate a specific date for his return.
