Joel Embiid confronts and pushes columnist in Sixers locker room – NBC4 Washington

Joel Embiid confronted a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Saturday night about a recent article that criticized desire of the star center to “go to work” referring to Embiid’s late brother and young son.

Embiid, who missed the Sixers’ first five games with a left knee injury, spoke to Inquirer reporter Marcus Hayes following the team’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Shortly after reporters entered the locker room for postgame media access, Embiid approached Hayes and the two talked briefly. Hayes asked if he could apologize to Embiid, but he refused. The conversation quickly escalated and Embiid pushed Hayes before being separated.

ESPN’s Shams Charania said the NBA is investigating the incident.

Hayes previously apologized on X for his Oct. 23 column. The Inquirer removed references to Embiid’s late brother and son, both named Arthur.

In 2014, Embiid’s brother was hit by a truck in Cameroon and died at the age of 13.

Embiid launched the Arthur Memorial Initiative in 2022, pledging $1 million to Philadelphia nonprofits. This summer he threw a party for about 200 children from these organizations.

“It’s still hard to think about all this,” Embiid said Sept. 27. “He’s one of the reasons I do this. He is the one who took care of everyone. It’s funny, all the stories I heard – because I haven’t been around since I left Cameroon – and coming back after his death, all the stories I heard… just someone who cared about everyone and always gave credit where credit was due ”

Embiid called out Hayes during a press conference Friday regarding his left knee and the return-to-play process. Hayes was not available Friday.

“When I see people saying he doesn’t want to play… I’ve been through too much,” Embiid said. “I’ve done too much for this city and I’m putting myself at risk for people saying this, so I really think it’s bullshit. Like that guy… he’s not here – Marcus, whatever his name is. I’ve done too much for this damn city to be treated like this. I’ve done too damn much.

“Like I said, I wish I could be as lucky as other (players), but that doesn’t mean I’m not trying and doing everything I can to be where I’m going to be. here soon.

The 1-4 Sixers begin a three-game road trip against the Suns on Monday night. Embiid said Friday that “everything is going right” with his health but did not give a specific date for his return.