Joel Embiid confronts, pushes columnist in Sixers locker room initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Philadelphia
Joel Embiid confronted a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Saturday evening over a current article criticizing the the will of the stellar middle to “present up for work” referring to Embiid’s late brother and younger son.
Embiid, who missed the Sixers’ first 5 video games with a designation “administration of left knee accidents”approached Marcus Hayes of the Inquirer after the crew’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Shortly after reporters entered the locker room for postgame media availability, Embiid approached Hayes and the 2 had a quick change. Hayes requested if he might apologize to Embiid, who didn’t settle for. The change shortly escalated and Embiid pushed Hayes earlier than being separated.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the NBA was investigating the incident.
Hayes had already apologized on X for his October 23 column. The Inquirer eliminated references to Embiid’s late brother and son, each named Arthur.
In 2014, Embiid’s brother was hit by a truck in Cameroon and died at age 13.
Embiid launched the “In Reminiscence of Arthur” Initiative in 2022pledging $1 million to Philadelphia-area nonprofits. This summer season, he organized a block celebration for about 200 kids from these organizations.
“It’s nonetheless arduous to consider all this,” Embiid mentioned on September 27. “He is one of many causes I do that. He is somebody who cared about everybody. It is humorous, all of the tales I heard – as a result of I wasn’t there anymore since I left Cameroon – and after his demise, all of the tales I heard… simply somebody who cared about everybody and all the time gave again.
Embiid known as Hayes on Friday throughout a press convention on his left knee and the return to play course of. Hayes was not current Friday.
“Once I see individuals saying he doesn’t wish to play…I’ve been by way of manner an excessive amount of,” Embiid mentioned. “I’ve executed manner an excessive amount of for this metropolis and put myself liable to individuals saying that, so I feel it is bullshit… Like this man… he isn’t right here – Marcus, no matter his title. I’ve executed manner an excessive amount of for this rattling metropolis to be handled like this. I did manner an excessive amount of.
“Like I mentioned, I want I had as a lot luck as the opposite (gamers), however that does not imply I do not attempt to do no matter it takes to be there -low, which I will likely be right here very quickly.
The 1-4 Sixers will start a three-game street journey Monday evening in opposition to the Suns. Embiid mentioned Friday that “every part goes in the best route” concerning his well being, however didn’t present a particular date for his return.
