Joel Embiid shoves a reporter, NBA starts another investigation

Joel Embiid shoved a Philadelphia Inquirer reporter, Marcus Hayes, in the locker room after a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. The two men had a two-minute-long argument, which resulted in Embiid physically attacking the journalist.Joel Embiid was mad at a reporter during the last press conference, referencing him directly while cursing about his injuries and things he’s done for the city of Philadelphia. Now, the 76ers center has had a physical altercation with him.

After the Philadelphia 76ers lost yet another game and dropped to 1-4, Embiid shoved a Philadelphia Inquirer journalist, Marcus Hayes, in the locker room, Shams Charania from ESPN reports.

The NBA has started an investigation into the matter, a league spokesman announced.Hayes had been highly critical of the player recently, referencing his late brother and son. Embiid got into a fiery verbal back-and-forth once he noticed that Hayes was in the locker room.Hayes offered to issue an apology, but Embiid did not accept. Around two minutes into it, Embiid shoved Hayes, and security had to step in, Kyle Neubeck from PHLY Sports reports. 76ers players surrounded the situation, and the matter was put to rest.

Earlier in the week, Embiid directly named Hayes in the dedicated press conference.

“Like that dude, he’s not here, Marcus, whatever his name is, I’ve done way too much for this fucking city to be treated like this. I’ve done way too fucking much,” Embiid declared.

Embiid has yet to play in the 2024-25 NBA season, he has also stated that he wouldn’t play in any back-to-backs in his career. The 76ers have already been fined $100,000 for false injury reporting regarding Embiid.