Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been suspended three video games by the NBA for shoving Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, the league introduced Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred in Philadelphia’s locker room after Saturday’s recreation between the 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies, a 124-107 Grizzlies victory that Embiid didn’t take part in. The altercation stemmed from a column printed in October by the Inquirer.
That column, written by Hayes, criticized Embiid for lacking video games, however talked about each Embiid’s brother Arthur, who died in a 2014 automotive accident, and Embiid’s younger son, who shares Arthur’s title. The story has since been edited to take away mentions of both relative.
“Mutual respect is paramount to the connection between gamers and media within the NBA,” league Government Vice President Joe Dumars stated in an NBA assertion. “Whereas we perceive Joel was offended by the private nature of the unique model of the reporter’s column, interactions should stay skilled on either side and might by no means flip bodily.”
Embiid has not performed but this season resulting from what the staff has referred to as “left knee administration.” The NBA famous that Embiid’s suspension “will start with the subsequent NBA common season recreation for which he’s eligible and in a position to play.” In keeping with ESPN, Embiid will start serving the suspension with Wednesday’s recreation towards the Clippers in L.A., as recommended by a report from earlier Tuesday.
The suspension will proceed with Philadelphia’s recreation towards the Lakers on Friday and conclude with Sunday’s matchup with the Hornets. Embiid may then return to the ground on Nov. 12 towards the New York Knicks in an NBA Cup recreation — the 76ers’ tenth recreation of the season.
After final Friday’s apply, Embiid introduced up Hayes’ column as he addressed reporters.
“Everyone has been on the identical web page,” Embiid stated of the staff’s plan for him to each get better from a present knee harm and handle his well being all through the season. “In case your physique would not react effectively, and in case your physique tells you one factor [sit out]. I’ve carried out it. From what I can let you know, I’ve damaged my face twice; I got here again early with the chance of shedding my imaginative and prescient. I’ve damaged fingers. I nonetheless got here again. Once I see individuals say, ‘He would not wish to play,’ I’ve carried out means an excessive amount of for this metropolis, placing myself in danger, for individuals to be saying that.”
The scenario escalated after Saturday’s recreation, when Embiid noticed Hayes within the locker room. “The subsequent time you deliver up my useless brother and my son once more, you’ll see what I’ll do to you and I’ll should … stay with the implications,” Embiid stated to Hayes, in accordance with the Related Press. Hayes reportedly supplied an apology that Embiid didn’t settle for. Embiid later stated that he would not care what reporters say, to which Hayes reportedly responded “however you do.” Quickly after, Embiid pushed Hayes on the shoulder, in accordance with reporters within the room. The 2 had been separated by staff PR staffers from there.
That is the second suspension of Embiid’s profession. In 2019, he and Karl-Anthony Cities had been each suspended two video games after a combat between the 2 when Cities was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 76ers are 1-5 via their first 5 video games, and free-agent addition Paul George simply made his season debut in a Monday night time loss to the Suns after hurting his knee within the preseason.
