Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid made headlines Saturday night after reportedly shoving columnist Marcus Hayes in the locker room following Philadelphia’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The shove was seemingly motivated by the fact that Hayes wrote a controversial article recently that referenced the former MVP’s family.
In light of Saturday’s drama, former NBA journeyman Matt Barnes reacted by saying that violence sometimes is the answer.
Sometimes 🤷🏽♂️ https://t.co/LQ31m0K2vF
— Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) November 3, 2024
The NBA is investigating the incident that transpired in the 76ers locker room.
Hayes’ controversial article referenced Embiid’s son, who is named after his late brother. It wasn’t received well.
Man, look. If you write this, you gotta be accountable to the player. This isn't talking about what Joel Embiid is doing on the court. This is ridiculous.
Is it worth getting physical with the dude? IDK, I want way more details on how this whole thing escalated. pic.twitter.com/lIXkwNrIk8
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) November 3, 2024
Hayes issued an apology after the controversial piece was published.
So, I rewrote the lede to my column and replaced the picture. I can see why so many people were upset about it. Sorry about that.
Thanks for all of the constructive criticism. https://t.co/GE8xIHc22z
— Marcus Hayes (@inkstainedretch) October 23, 2024
Embiid reportedly confronted Hayes in the locker room after Saturday’s game, cursing at him and rejecting an attempted apology. Eventually, Embiid reportedly shoved him.
“As reporters entered the locker room to talk to players, Embiid stood and confronted Hayes,” Kevin Cooney and Noah Levick of NBC10 Philadelphia wrote.
“‘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.
“Embiid continued, with several instances of profanity in the next few sentences. Hayes offered an apology, which Embiid did not want. ‘That’s not the f—— first time.’ Embiid said.
“Embiid later said that he doesn’t care what reporters say. ‘But you do,’ Hayes answered.
“Embiid appeared to get louder at that point, and not long afterward pushed Hayes on the shoulder while the team’s public relations chief got between them. Another PR person moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outside the locker room, trying to clear reporters.
“At the same time, a team security person asked the media not to report on what had happened. Embiid yelled over the security guard.
“‘They can do whatever they want,’ Embiid said. ‘I don’t give a s—.’”
It’s unclear if the NBA will take action following the altercation, but the league likely wants to ensure that similar situations don’t unfold in the future.
The 76ers have struggled out of the gate this season, as they’re 1-4 through five games. They figure to look like a very different team once Embiid and new addition Paul George take the floor. Both star players have been sidelined to this point due to knee injuries.
If those two players can take the floor and remain healthy this season, Philadelphia could be a major factor in the Eastern Conference.
Embiid was limited to just 39 games last season, but over his last three NBA seasons, he has earned two scoring titles and one MVP award. George, for his part, did a nice job of staying healthy last season with the Los Angeles Clippers. Over his last four seasons, he has earned three All-Star nods and one All-NBA selection.
In seven straight seasons, the 76ers have made the playoffs, but they haven’t reached the conference finals a single time during that span. They’re hoping that this season won’t follow the same trend. They certainly have the talent to make some noise.
Philadelphia is about to start a three-game road trip that will feature games against the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers. It’s possible that Embiid will make his season debut during the trip.
Meanwhile, the league investigation into his situation will be worth monitoring to see if he faces any disciplinary action.
