Joel Embiid receives three-game ban from NBA after altercation with reporter in team locker room

Joel Embiid suspended for three games by the NBA for shoving columnist Marcus Hayes in locker room altercation.

Joel Embiid receives three-game ban from NBA after altercation with reporter in team locker room

Philadelphia 76ers player Joel Embiid

Sad news today for the Philadelphia 76ers as star center Joel Embiid has been suspended three games by the NBA for shoving Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes in the locker room after Saturday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The altercation stemmed from a column Hayes wrote in October where he not only criticized Embiid for missing games but also mentioned the player’s deceased brother and young son.

Joel Embiid, who has yet to play this season due to left knee management, responded harshly to the story after Friday’s practice when he encountered Hayes in the locker room on Saturday. The situation escalated, and Embiid pushed Hayes on the shoulder before team PR staffers intervened.

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Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA. 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 and can never turn physical.

NBA Executive Vice President Joe Dumars said in an NBA statement

The NBA announced that Embiid’s suspension will commence with the next regular season game for which he is eligible and able to play. With Embiid potentially gearing up for his season debut on Wednesday against the Clippers, the suspension could see him return to the floor on November 12 against the New York Knicks.

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This latest setback has marked the former MVP’s second career suspension, following a two-game suspension in 2019 for a fight with Karl-Anthony Towns. No doubt, the 76ers could use Embiid’s return to bolster their lineup, especially with free-agent addition Paul George having just made his season debut after a preseason knee injury.

Joel Embiid’s return delayed as 76ers star recovers from knee surgery amid suspension

The Philadelphia 76ers initially expected Joel Embiid to be ready for the season opener on October 23 as he is yet to play due to an ongoing recovery from February’s knee surgery. The NBA had also fined the 76ers $100,000 for inconsistent statements about his health.

On the one hand, league sources say his left knee wasn’t a concern, or even a topic of discussion, among the Team USA stakeholders during the national team’s run to Olympic gold in France, even if, according to team sources, the left knee was being managed and monitored on their end during that time.

Sam Amick wrote on Joel Embiid

Embiid himself had denied experiencing a setback, as he revealed he’s still recovering from the surgery. The 76ers initially announced he’d miss the preseason and the start of the regular season, as they cited no setbacks.

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Sadly, his return has been further delayed due to the three-game suspension. The 76ers and their fans would be eager for him to return and lead them back to winning ways.