76ers star Joel Embiid verbally confronted and then shoved Philadelphia reporter Marcus Hayes during a tense locker room incident following the team’s disappointing loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.
In response to the altercation, the NBA announced that it has initiated an investigation into the situation.
The confrontation stemmed from Hayes’s recent columns, which criticized Embiid’s commitment and fitness level after his participation in the Paris Olympics. Hayes controversially referenced Embiid’s late brother and his son, both named Arthur, which escalated tensions. As of now, Embiid has not yet played for the 76ers this season.
When reporters entered the locker room for interviews, Embiid confronted Hayes directly.
“The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I’m going to do to you, and I’m going to have to … live with the consequences,” Embiid warned Hayes.
Embiid’s anger was palpable, with his remarks punctuated by profanity. Hayes attempted to apologize, but Embiid dismissed it, stating, “That’s not the f——— first time.”
In the heated exchange, Embiid expressed indifference toward media opinions. “But you do,” Hayes retorted, highlighting the tension between players and the press.
As the confrontation escalated, Embiid pushed Hayes on the shoulder while the team’s public relations chief intervened. Other PR personnel quickly relocated Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway to alleviate the situation.
Meanwhile, a team security member requested that the media refrain from reporting on the incident, but Embiid shouted over the guard, declaring, “They can do whatever they want. I don’t give a s—-.”
Earlier, Embiid had called out Hayes during a press conference, referring to him dismissively and questioning the validity of critics regarding his absence from the game.
Hayes had recently published an article accusing Embiid of disrespecting the 76ers and the game itself, suggesting that the franchise should contemplate issuing refunds to fans when he does not play.
“I’ve done way too much for this … city to be treated like this, done way too … much,” Embiid expressed on Friday. “I wish I was as lucky as other ones, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not trying and I’m not doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I’m gonna be here pretty soon.”
Hayes was absent from practice on Friday, and it remains uncertain when Embiid will return to the court. The ongoing investigation by the NBA will determine if any disciplinary measures are necessary.
