Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been criticized for not being on the court for his team. Now, he’ll have no choice. At least for a short period anyway.
The NBA has suspended Embiid for three games following a physical altercation with a reporter. Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Inquirer drew the ire of the 7-time All-Star when he wrote a column about his injury issues.
Hayes unwisely referenced Embiid’s son and late brother in his criticism. And the Sixers star was livid about people questioning his desire to play.
“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,” Embiid said. “I do think it’s […]. … I’ve done way too much for this […] city to be treated like this. Done way too […] much.”
Hayes reportedly attempted to offer an apology. That didn’t go well.
Joel Embiid Shoves Reporter
Joel Embiid went on to blast Hayes by name over his column.
“Like that dude, he’s not here, Marcus, whatever his name is, I’ve done way too much for this […] city to be treated like this,” he seethed. “Done way too […] much.”
Kyle Neubeck of PHLY described the scene as Hayes and he later crossed paths, suggesting Embiid insisted that criticism of him is fine, but mentioning his dead brother is not.
“‘You want to talk to me like a man and talk to me about basketball, that’s different, but if you ever talk about my family again, we’re gonna have real problems,'” Neubeck relayed.
“They go kinda back-and-forth and at some point, let’s say 90 seconds to two minutes into this back-and-forth, Joel shoves him. Team security steps in. Players kind of surround the situation and everyone kinda dispersed.”
An emotional Joel Embiid lashed out at media members questioning his desire and motivation to play:
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) November 1, 2024
“I’ve done way too much for this fucking city to be treated like this.”
pic.twitter.com/IIAZQ232G8
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NBA Announces Suspension
NBA executive VP Joe Dumars announced action being taken against Joel Embiid for shoving a reporter.
“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” said Dumars.
“While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter’s column, interaction must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”
Not to mention, the guy has been on the injury report due to “left knee injury management.” What are you doing getting into a physical altercation and risking further injury to the knee?
Embiid has yet to play a game this season. The 76ers are 1-5 during his absence.
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