Joel Embiid’s Locker Room Confrontation with Columnist Sparks NBA Investigation After Heated Exchange
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid found himself at the center of a locker room altercation with a local columnist following the Sixers’ 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. The heated exchange, which ultimately led to Embiid shoving Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, came after Embiid confronted Hayes over recent criticism regarding his commitment and physical conditioning.
The NBA released a statement acknowledging the incident and confirmed an ongoing investigation: “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation,” an NBA spokesman said.
The conflict stemmed from a recent column by Hayes, which questioned Embiid’s professionalism and mentioned Embiid’s son and late brother, both named Arthur. When reporters entered the locker room, Embiid immediately confronted Hayes.
“The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you’re going to see what I’m going to do to you,” Embiid warned, also noting, “I’ll have to live with the consequences.” The confrontation escalated with Embiid using profanity and refusing Hayes’ attempt at an apology. “That’s not the first time,” Embiid emphasized angrily.
At one point, Hayes responded, “But you do,” when Embiid claimed he didn’t care what reporters said, which further fueled Embiid’s frustration. Embiid eventually shoved Hayes, prompting the Sixers’ public relations chief to intervene while another team official relocated Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway to clear the locker room. Sixers security then asked reporters not to document the incident, though Embiid yelled, “They can do whatever they want. I don’t give a s—.”
In response, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey told ESPN that the team was aware of the incident and in close communication with the NBA. “We take the situation very seriously and are investigating,” Morey stated.
Embiid has not played in the Sixers’ first five games of the season, sitting out due to a left knee injury that has required careful management. Paul George, dealing with a bone bruise on his left knee, has also missed the start of the season. Speaking on Friday, Embiid addressed recent criticisms of his recovery process, stating, “Everybody has been on the same page. If your body doesn’t react well, you listen to it.” Reflecting on his history of playing through injuries, Embiid noted, “I’ve put myself at risk for this city. When people say I don’t want to play, that’s unfair.”
Following surgery on his left knee in January, Embiid played only 39 games last season but returned for the playoffs, where the Sixers lost to the Knicks in the first round. He later helped lead Team USA to gold at the Paris Olympics, showcasing his commitment to the game despite physical challenges.