Joel Embiid (Image Credit: Getty Images)
On Saturday night, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid had an altercation with Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes in the 76ers’ locker room. After a few exchanges of words, Embiid shouted at Hayes and ultimately shoved him.
According to reports by Gina Mizell from the Inquirer, Embiid made hand contact with Hayes’s neck and collarbone area. It is suggested that Embiid was upset because Hayes had criticized him in recent articles. The columnist also mentioned Embiid’s son and his late brother, both of whom are named Arthur.
Following the incident, Hayes was taken to a meeting with Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations for the Sixers, and general manager Elton Brand. Hayes reported, “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.”
Hayes deleted his post about Embiid after receiving negative feedback from the 76ers star. Later, he apologized on social media and acknowledged his mistake. According to reports, Hayes attempted to apologize to Embiid in person, but the meeting escalated into a physical altercation on Saturday.
The NBA Released A Statement Regarding Joel Embiid’s Physical Altercation With The Columnist
Embiid expressed his frustration and anger over columnist Hayes’s comments about his family. The All-Star center stated that he would take further action if Hayes wrote about his family again.
Embiid highlighted that Hayes had previously made similar comments about his family in past articles. In response, Hayes strongly denied Embiid’s accusations. The NBA deemed it necessary to intervene and release an official statement regarding the situation.
“We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers’ locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation.” an NBA spokesman said in a statement.
Fans are expressing their curiosity regarding the incident and are keenly anticipating the results of the ongoing investigation.
