Embiid gets into altercation with reporter after loss to Memphis
Goforitradio Staff
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The Philadelphia 76ers(1-4) lost their second straight as they fell to the Memphis Grizzlies (4-3)124-107 Saturday night at Wells Fargo Center.
However, the biggest story happened after the game when star center Joel Embiid, who missed his fifth straight game, reportedly shoved Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, who recently penned a column criticizing the former MVP and mentioned Embiid’s son and late brother, both named Arthur.
The mention of Embiid’s late brother and son was later removed from the article, and Hayes did apologize via Twitter/X.
Embiid mentioned Hayes’ criticism at a press conference Friday.
According to the AP, as reporters entered the locker room to talk to players after the loss to Memphis, Embiid stood and confronted Hayes and said the following:
“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 said to Hayes.
Hayes reportedly apologized, which Embiid did accept. Ultimately, the two went back and forth verbally, and Embiid would reportedly shove the veteran columnist.
Order was eventually restored, but it sounded like an ugly situation.
According to Shams Charania, the league is investigating the incident.
Both Hayes and Embiid were wrong. Hayes was wrong for mentioning his late brother and son in the article, and Embiid was wrong for reportedly shoving the reporter.
Is it inexcusable that Embiid, who played in the Olympics this summer, is not ready for the season? Yes! Has he underachieved and been consistently hurt in the playoffs? Yes! However, has he shown toughness and battled through these injuries? Most definitely!
Look, this sounds like frustration. The 76ers have been without both of their stars, Embiid and Paul George, and they are struggling. If they win on Saturday, maybe this altercation doesn’t happen.
End of the day, it doesn’t make sense to bring Embiid back unless he’s completely healthy. A lot of basketball is left, and this team can’t accomplish what they want to achieve with a healthy Embiid.
The 76ers travel to Phoenix for the first stop of a three-game road trip on Monday to face the Suns.
