The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a rough start this season, with a record of 1-4 after a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Things took a turn for the worse when Joel Embiid got into a heated exchange with a reporter in the locker room after the game, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The NBA is now investigating the incident, according to multiple sources.
The altercation stemmed from comments made by Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes about Embiid’s late brother and son in relation to questioning the player’s professionalism and fitness. Embiid, who has yet to play this season, confronted Hayes in the locker room, expressing his displeasure with the mention of his family members in the media.
According to Kyle Neubeck, a Philadelphia sports reporter who witnessed the incident, Embiid and Hayes engaged in a verbal confrontation that escalated to a physical shove from Embiid towards Hayes. Team security intervened, and the situation eventually calmed down.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that the shove was directed at the reporter’s shoulder. Embiid has been vocal about his frustration with media portrayal of him as lacking in commitment and effort, particularly citing the story written by Hayes.
The story is still developing, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.