Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid hasn’t stepped on the hardwood this NBA season due to a knee injury. Nonetheless, he’s at the center of the top story in the league.
Last weekend, Embiid shoved Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes in the team’s locker room. This confrontation came after the 76ers fell short to the Memphis Grizzlies. The main reason why the former MVP was mad at Hayes is because of the way he spoke about his family in a recent column. There was a comment about Embiid’s late brother, Arthur, that just seemed incredibly out of line.
Here’s what Hayes wrote about Embiid:
Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son, Arthur, as the major inflection point in his basketball career. He often says that he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in an automobile accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er. Well, in order to be great at your job, you first have to show up for work.
The NBA announced over the weekend that it would investigate the altercation between Embiid and Hayes. The league’s vice president and head of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, revealed the league’s ruling on Tuesday afternoon.
Embiid has been suspended three games without pay for shoving Hayes.
“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and made in the NBA,” Dumars said. “While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter’s column, interactions must remain professional on both sides an can never turn physical.”
Embiid has not yet commented on his suspension. He could use this punishment as a chance to rest up his injured knee.
Eventually, the 76ers will need Embiid back in the starting lineup. They’re currently 1-5 this season.
Related: Joel Embiid Shoved, But Did Not Punch, A Reporter After Today’s Loss