Joel Embiid strikes and shoves columnist during locker room altercation

PHILADELPHIA – Joel Embiid punched and pushed Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes during a profanity-laced altercation in the 76ers’ locker room after Saturday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Embiid, whose open hand made contact with Hayes’ neck and collarbone area, was angered by the columnist’s recent work criticizing him for missing the start of the 2024-25 regular season due to a knee ailment following surgery last February .

As he walked from his locker to Hayes, Embiid shouted his disapproval of Hayes mentioning his late brother and son, both named Arthur, in an Oct. 23 column. Later that day, Hayes removed those references from the column, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “I understand why so many people were upset about it. Sorry about that. Thanks for all the constructive criticism.” Hayes attempted to apologize to Embiid on Saturday, but was rebuffed before the confrontation turned physical.

Embiid told Hayes that he would take “all the shots” from the media about his basketball shortcomings or health, but that “no one is coming for my family.” He added that if Hayes were to write about those family members again, “you’ll see what I’ll do to you, and I’ll have to live with the consequences.” Embiid also accused Hayes of making similar references in previous columns, which Hayes denied.

The incident, which lasted about two minutes, occurred while the locker room was open to reporters and was witnessed by multiple media members, Sixers players and staffers. Reporters were waiting to speak with All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey at his locker, which is next to Embiid’s. Sixers staffers and teammates intervened to separate Embiid from Hayes as the confrontation escalated, and Embiid left the locker room shortly after it disappeared.

Afterward, Hayes said he was escorted to a meeting with Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and general manager Elton Brand. Hayes said Morey and Brand “apologized for the incident, expressed regret that it happened and asked me for my version of events. … They agreed that Embiid’s actions were unacceptable.”

The NBA released the following statement late Saturday: “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room tonight and are launching an investigation.” A Sixers spokesperson confirmed Sunday morning that the team is cooperating with the NBA’s investigation.

In a statement, Inquirer editor and senior vice president Gabriel Escobar said: “Marcus is a seasoned and experienced columnist who provides sharp and insightful commentary based on his observations. You are free to disagree with what he says , but a physical attack is unwarranted and unsustainable and we take this matter very seriously.”

The Sixers knew Hayes would be at the game Saturday, he said, and were open to facilitating a resolution between the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player and the columnist. The team leaves on Sunday for a three-game road trip with the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.

It is common for sports columnists to appear immediately after writing critically about a player, coach or team. Without notice, Embiid held his first media session in about four weeks after Friday’s practice — and publicly addressed Hayes’ columns.

“When I see people say, ‘He doesn’t want to play,’” Embiid said. “… like that guy, he’s not here, Marcus, whatever his name is. I’ve done way too much to let this (expletive) town be treated like that. Done way too (expletive) much.

“I wish I was as lucky as other players (players who have been healthier during their careers). But that doesn’t mean I don’t try, and I don’t do whatever it takes to be there, which I do .” I’ll be here soon.”

Embiid, who signed a three-year, $193 million contract extension last month, has made seven consecutive All-Star teams and was crowned the 2023 MVP. But he has suffered numerous injuries during his career, including last year’s meniscus procedure season and a battle with Bell’s Palsy during the playoffs. Embiid went on to play in the Summer Olympics and help Team USA win a gold medal, but did not play in preseason games or participate in live five-on-five scrimmaging during the lead-up to the Sixers’ opener on Oct. 23. The league fined the Sixers $100,000 on October 29 for “inconsistent” statements regarding Embiid’s availability.

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