76ers’ Embiid reportedly ‘pushes’ reporter after loss; NBA launches investigation

CNN
—

The National Basketball Association is investigating reports that Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid “shoved” a columnist after the team’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

According to the Associated Press, a visibly upset Embiid confronted Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes as reporters entered the Sixers’ locker room.

Hayes published a column on October 23 criticizing Embiid for not being prepared for the season. In the column, Hayes referenced Embiid’s late brother Arthur and his four-year-old son.

“The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you’ll see what I’m going to do to you, and I’m going to have to… live with the consequences,” Embiid told the AP, according to Hayes.

Embiid reportedly continued to talk about Hayes, who eventually apologized to the 76ers center. However, Embiid rejected Hayes’ attempts at redemption.

After saying he doesn’t care what reporters say, Hayes interjected, “But you do,” prompting Embiid to raise his voice. Embiid then poked Hayes in the shoulder and the team’s public relations chief intervened, AP reported.

An NBA spokesman told CNN the league has opened an investigation into the incident. “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are conducting an investigation,” the spokesman said.

CNN has reached out to the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid’s agents and the Philadelphia Inquirer but did not immediately receive a response.

Hayes brought up Embiid’s late brother and son in his column while also questioning the player’s professionalism.

“Joel Embiid always points out that the birth of his son Arthur was the most important turning point in his career. “He often says he wants to be great, to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in a car accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er,” wrote Hayes.

“Well, to be great at your job, you first have to show up for work. Embiid was the exact opposite great. Now in his 11th season, he has been in poor form across the board,” Hayes continued. “This poor condition seems to have delayed his debut this season.”

On Friday, Embiid responded to recent criticism of his absences, specifically mentioning Hayes.

“When I see people say, ‘He doesn’t want to play,’ I’ve done way too much for this city and put myself at risk of people saying that. I think that’s nonsense,” Embiid said.

“Like that guy, he’s not here Marcus, I’ve done way too much for this damn city to be treated like that. Done way too much. I wish I was as lucky as the others, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do whatever it takes to get out there, which I will.”

The 76ers were fined $100,000 by the NBA on Friday because team president Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse made public statements that were inconsistent with his medical condition and violated league rules.

In September, Embiid signed a three-year contract extension with the 76ers worth $192.9 million, a source familiar with the contract figures told CNN. He has yet to play a game this season and the team is 1-4 after Saturday night’s loss as it continues to play with Embiid and offseason addition Paul George.