Joel Embiid shoves columnist after 76ers recreation, NBA…
Joel Embiid, who has been feuding with the media not too long ago, took it to a bodily stage on Saturday evening.
The 76ers heart shoved Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes following Philadelphia’s 124-107 home loss to the Grizzlies, taking concern together with his current column that referenced the participant’s late brother and son — each named Arthur — however no punches have been thrown.
The incident got here a day after Embiid straight talked about Hayes after he wrote his scathing column calling the middle “the least-dependable superstar in the history of the game,” whereas additionally referencing his relations.
Joel Embiid, who didn’t play, watches the motion during the 76ers’ 124-107 loss to the Grizzlies on Nov. 2, 2024. AP
The column additionally questioned Embiid’s professionalism and energy for not being in form after enjoying within the Paris Olympics by which Team USA gained gold.
After the 76ers’ loss, as reporters entered the locker room to speak to gamers, Embiid stood and confronted 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,” Embiid stated to Hayes.
Embiid — who gained the MVP award within the 2022-23 season — continued with a number of situations of profanity within the subsequent few sentences. Hayes provided an apology, which Embiid didn’t need. “That’s not the f—— first time.” Embiid stated.
The seven-time All-Star later stated he doesn’t care what reporters say. “But you do,” Hayes answered.
Embiid, 30, appeared to get louder at that time, and never long afterward pushed Hayes on the shoulder whereas the group’s public relations chief acquired between them.
Paul George talks with Joel Embiid during a timeout within the 76ers’ loss to the Grizzlies. Getty Images
Another PR individual moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outdoors the locker room, attempting to clear reporters.
While this was happening, a group security individual requested the media to not report on what had occurred, however an incensed Embiid yelled over the security guard, saying, “They can do whatever they want. I don’t give a s–t.”
“We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation,” a league spokesperson informed The Athletic.
Embiid had known as Hayes out in a press convention following apply on Friday on the group’s coaching facility, referring to him as “Marcus, whatever his name is” and questioning critics of his extended absence.
Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Keith Pompey posted the next on X after the incident: “Oh, boy, people will remember the Sixers season for all the wrong reasons. The team just dropped to 1-4 and Joel Embiid assaulted a reporter in the locker room.” He then adopted it up with one other tweet that stated: “The reporter was “shoved” by Embiid.”
Embiid, who has but to make his 2024-25 debut with what the group refers to as left knee management, additionally clashed with the media on Friday over hypothesis questioning his toughness and want to play.
“I’ve broken my face twice. I came back early with the risk of losing my vision,” Embiid informed reporters on Friday. “When I see people saying, he doesn’t want to play, I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that. I do think it’s bulls–t. … I’ve done way too much for this f–king city to be treated like this.”
Embiid has handled quite a few lower-body accidents all through his 10-year profession, and on Friday stated his return to the court docket will rely on “trusting” his balky proper knee, however he anticipates enjoying “pretty soon.”
“I think it’s about being comfortable, trusting it,” Embiid stated. “I want to be at my best. I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m afraid if I do this, I might do something. … Mentally I’m just dealing with getting that trust back.”
With Saturday’s loss, the 76ers fell to 1-4, together with an 0-3 at home.
— with AP
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