Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been suspended for three games without pay following an altercation with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes after the 76ers’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The NBA announced the suspension Tuesday, citing a breach of professional conduct.
“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media,” said Joe Dumars, the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations. Dumars acknowledged that while personal references in Hayes’ column angered Embiid, physical retaliation is unacceptable.
The suspension will cause Embiid to miss upcoming games against the LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Charlotte Hornets. He’s slated to return next Tuesday against the New York Knicks.
The incident occurred after Hayes’ column referenced Embiid’s son and late brother, both named Arthur, while questioning Embiid’s professionalism. Despite an apology and column edits from Hayes, Embiid rejected the gesture. His suspension will cost him $1,063,778 in salary.
Joel Embiid has yet to play for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, but he did get into a physical altercation with a reporter.
According to ESPN, Embiid shoved Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes after he wrote about Embiid’s son and late brother in a column. Embiid named his son Arthur after his brother. Hayes mentioned the two while questioning Embiid’s professionalism and absences from the team.
As Hayes entered the locker room after a 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Embiid confronted him. “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.
Hayes offered an apology but Embiid rejected it. The words continued with Embiid eventually pushing Hayes.
“We take the situation very seriously and are investigating, and have already spoken to the NBA,” Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a statement.
Joel Embiid allegedly got into a physical altercation with Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Marcus Hayes after the Philadelphia 76ers’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Embiid became upset with Hayes and an argument ensued which eventually turned physical. The NBA is reportedly investigating the incident.
Hayes published a column for the Inquirer, criticizing Embiid for his work ethic while referencing his son and late brother. “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. Embiid has been great at just the opposite,” Hayes wrote in the controversial piece.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on in the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 27, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Prior to the incident, Embiid fired back at his critics bringing up his work ethic and targeted Hayes specifically. “When I see people say ‘he does not wanna play,’ I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that,” Embiid said on Friday. “I do think this is bulls***. Like that dude, he’s not here, Marcus, I’ve done way too much for this f***ing city to be treated like this. Done way too f***ing much. I wish I was as lucky as the other ones, but that does not mean I’m not doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I’m gonna be.”
Joel Embiid Goes After Columnist
Footage of the incident has yet to surfaced but check out Charania’s report below. With the loss, the 76ers fell to 1-4 on the season. Be on the lookout for further updates on Joel Embiid on HotNewHipHop.
76ers’ Joel Embiid got in an altercation with a columnist following tonight’s game in Philadelphia. Embiid took issue with a recent column that referenced his late brother and son, and Embiid shoved the columnist. No punch.
After Knicks fans took over Philidelphia earlier in the series, 76ers fans are fighting back. The Philadelphia 76ers, who are in danger of losing to the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs, are making preparations to make the most of their homecourt advantage. In the Sixers’ Game 4 loss to the Knicks, the Sixer’s home arena had a large volume of Knicks fans. The Sixers ownership group has bought 2,000 tickets for tonight’s game to combat Knicks fans infiltrating their home court. The ownership group will reportedly donate those seats to “first responders, health care professionals, and other local Philadelphia-based organizations.”
The 76ers survived Game 5 at Madison Square Garden thanks to some miraculous late-game heroics from Tyrese Maxey. However, the Knicks lost their chance to clinch the series due to crunch-time decision-making. Now, the Knicks look to end the series tonight. However, the Philadelphia 76ers are trying to pull out all the stops. They are trying to do everything possible to give their team the best chance to force a game 7.
In particular, star center Joel Embiid had harsh words for the environment at the Sixers’ Wells Fargo Center following the Sixers’ 97-92 loss on Sunday that dropped them to a 3-1 deficit. “I love our fans. Think it’s unfortunate, and I’m not calling them out, but it is disappointing. Obviously, you got a lot of Knicks fans, and they’re down the road,” Embiid said. “Yeah, it kind of pisses me off, especially because Philly is considered a sports town. They’ve always shown up, and I don’t think that should happen. Yeah, it’s not OK.”
The Sixers season is on the line tonight. The Knicks and 76ers series has been the most entertaining first-round matchup of the NBA playoffs. The drama and quality of every game has been phenomenal. There has been controversy and several memorable moments. The fans have been rising to the occasion, especially Knicks fans and their cohort of celebrity fans. Overall, tonight is a must-win game for the 76ers and a must-watch game for hoop-heads. Hopefully, it will be just as good as every other game in the series.
With the New York Knicks looking to close out the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight, Sixers all-star Joel Embiid has been declared the “Most Hated Man in NY,” as declared by no less an authority than The New York Post’s front page. This hatred was confirmed by New York’s State Twitter page (I will NEVER call it “X”), which not only reposted the cover from a Knickerbockers fan page, but added some spice of its own courtesy of Kendrick Lamar’s new Drake diss, “Euphoria.”
The new song has no shortage of salt for the Compton rapper’s Canadian foe, but at one point, he dispenses with the fancy wordplay and heady metaphors to distill his argument down to its bare bones: “Now let me say I’m the biggest hater / I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk / I hate the way that you dress / I hate the way that you sneak diss, if I catch flight, it’s gon’ be direct,” he snarls in the snippet posted by @NYGov. If the Sixers win, Embiid might need the National Guard to provide security (maybe they can take a break from beating up 20-year-olds at Columbia for exercising their First Amendment rights). Which just goes to show how serious it is — do you know how bad it has to be for the GOVERNMENT of the state of New York to quote a Los Angeles-bred rapper’s diss track?
Sports rivalries aside, it looks like Kendrick Lamar has given the world the best new way to tell somebody you dislike them: just send them a “Euphoria” snippet, and they’ll get the message, guaranteed.
Meek Mill spoke out on Joel Embiid and Philadelphia fans after the 76ers lost in Game 4 of their playoff series against the New York Knicks on Sunday. Embiid had admitted he was disappointed when away fans made more noise at the Wells Fargo Center than home fans during the loss. In turn, hometown rapper Meek Mill threatened to come to New York for Game 5 to show Knicks fans the same treatment.
“How people acting like they turning on Joel,” Meek wrote in his post. “Trust the process wins and losses. I’m coming to next knicks game we gotta rep like they did that whole arena was half knicks fans … let’s play our part no blame game get you to a chip!”
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during game four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 28, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
During Game 4, Knicks fans erupted in MVP chants whenever Jalen Brunson made a shot, especially towards the end of the game. During the fourth quarter, Embiid scored just 1 point on 0-for-5 shooting. “I love our fans,” he said after the game. “I think it’s unfortunate. I’m not calling them out, but it is disappointing. Obviously, you got a lot of Knicks fans. They’re down the road. But I’ve never seen it (like that), and I’ve been here for 10 years. It kind of pisses me off, especially because Philly is considered a sports town. I don’t think that should happen.” Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey also noticed how loud the Knicks fans were, but clarified, “our crowd did a great job.”
Meek Mill Speaks Out
How people acting like they turning on Joel trust the process wins and losses I’m coming to next knicks game we gotta rep like they did that whole arena was half knicks fans … let’s play our part no blame game get you to a chip!
Knicks Sixers has been a very intense playoff series. The first two games were physical battles that saw the Knicks come out on top. Joel Embiid and the Sixers were furious over how game two was officiated. The referees missed obvious calls in the final two minutes, which the Sixers believe cost them the game. One official grievance later, Game 3 headed to Philidelphia. The 76ers clearly looked frustrated throughout the series, and last night, Joel Embiid let his frustrations get the better of him.
Embiid, the most vocal 76er after the controversial end to game 2, has clearly been rattled by the physicality of the series. This frustration, coupled with his ongoing recovery from a long-term injury, led to a shocking incident in Game 3. After once again not receiving a foul call, Embiid fell to the floor. In a moment of sheer aggression, he grabbed Knicks center Mitchell Robinson by the legs and violently pulled the 7-footer down. This was not just a foul; and it was a dangerous and malicious act that could have resulted in serious injury to Robinson.
Joel Embiid’s foul on Mitchel Robinson was not just a foul. The outburst was a dirty play that posed a serious risk. After the incident, the two teams had to be separated, and the referees had to review the play. To the surprise of many, the officials deemed it a flagrant 1 violation. However, the NBA chose not to eject a star player like Embiid despite the clear violation. This decision raises the question: should Embiid have been ejected for his actions? Many fans and pundits believe he should have been.
The MVP stayed in the game despite the dirty play and gave his best performance in his playoff career. The center is still injured and reportedly suffering from Bells Palsey, and he put up 50 points against the Knicks. Maybe Embiid has to play on that edge to erase some of his playoff failures. He is having his best series ever despite not being close to 100% healthy. Overall, Sixers Kinicks has been a rollercoaster ride, and we need it to go 7-games.
In thrilling fashion, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks last night 125 – 114. The series has been a physical battle, and the Sixers have been frustrated by the physicality. After game 2, Embiid and the Sixers were unhappy with the officiating after their heartbreaking loss. The team filed an official grievance with the league over missed calls, which they believe cost them the game. As the series headed to Philadelphia, tension was in the air. game 3 was another physical game, but the Sixers came out on top due to an incredible performance from Joel Embiid.
Embiid dropped 50 points on the Knicks in what is his best playoff performance to date. Embiid is still working his way back from the knee injury that put him on the sideline for months. It was an amazing performance and a signal to the league that this is a different Embiid this playoffs. Embiid is also apparently suffering from another thing that is affecting his health. The MVP center is reportedly suffering from Bell’s Palsy and is playing through it, making his performance even more impressive.
ESPN Sources: Sixers star Joel Embiid has been treated for a mild case of Bell’s palsy for the past week. The condition began during the play-in victory over Miami but he has wanted to keep it private to avoid distractions for his team.
Reportedly, Joel Embiid has been treated this past week for a mild case of Bell’s Palsy. His plight with the condition began during the Sixer’s matchup with the Miami Heat in the Play-in tournament. The news is coming out now after the team, and Embiid sought to keep the matter private. Embiid did not want the diagnosis to cause a distraction. He has been seen wearing sunglasses post and pre-game as well as holding his head down due to bright lights. Bell’s Palsy causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of someone’s face. During recent games, you can see Embiid only blinking with one eye.
Joel Embiid’s performance was already impressive. He dropped 50 while clearly not 100% his dominant self. Now we know he is also suffering from a serious condition called Bell’s Palsy. The Sixers star was unstoppable last night, and credit to him for fighting through all of his adversity. The Knicks-Sixers series has been a rollercoaster of emotions. It is physical playoff basketball that needs to be appreciated. The drama is only going to get more dramatic. Game 4 can’t come soon enough.
After the Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 2 loss to the opposing team, Joel Embiid rallied with a remarkable performance. He scored a Playoff career-high 50 points despite battling Bell’s Palsy. His outstanding contribution led the Sixers to a crucial 125-114 win, narrowing the series deficit to 2-1.
In a display of sheer dominance, Embiid’s 50-point performance placed him in rare company. He became only the 33rd player in NBA history to achieve such a feat in a Playoff game. Notably, he joins the elite ranks of Sixers legends Allen Iverson and Billy Cunningham as the third player in franchise history to accomplish this milestone.
What sets Embiid’s performance apart is his exceptional efficiency, making him the first player in Playoff history to score 50 or more points on fewer than 20 shot attempts. His superlative stat line of 13-of-19 from the field, 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, and 19-of-21 from the free-throw line in just 41 minutes exemplifies his unparalleled skill on the court.
Embiid’s stellar performance was complemented by standout contributions from his teammates, including Tyrese Maxey, who recorded 25 points and seven assists, and Kelly Oubre Jr., who added 15 points and seven rebounds.
The playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and the Philidelphia 76ers has been a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly for the Sixers fans. Game two was a nail-biter, featuring one of the most intense and dramatic endings to an NBA playoff game in recent memory. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, staged a miraculous comeback, much to the dismay of the Sixers. The Sixers felt the officials played a crucial part in their defeat. The Knicks emerged victorious with a score of 104-101, setting Madison Square Garden ablaze. 76ers superstar Joel Embiid’s frustration was palpable as he openly criticized the officials post-game.
The 76ers looked like they were going to be able to close out the game against the Knicks easily. The sequence that has caused the Sixers to file an official grievance with the league started with a Brunson 3-pointer. Now up by 3 points, the Sixers have their inbound pass tipped, leading to a Tyrese Maxey turnover, which leads to a missed 3-pointer by Donte DiVincenzo. Divacenzo misses the three, but the Knicks get the rebound, and the Sharpshooter gets another look and drains it. The Knicks went on to win the game, but controversy surrounds the dramatic victory.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 22: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks goes to the basket against Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 104-101. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The NBA’s Last two-minute report has validated Joel Embiid and the Sixers’ complaints, shedding light on the crucial referee mistakes that influenced the game’s outcome. The report confirms that officials overlooked an attempt by 76ers coach Nick Nurse to call a timeout. This oversight allowed the sequence at the end of the game to unfold, altering the course of the game. There was also a missed foul call with 27 seconds remaining. Brunson tugged tug Tyrese Maxey’s jersey on the inbound, a move that led to the Knicks gaining possession and, ultimately, the lead. Maxey was also fouled three seconds later by Josh Hart, just before the Sixers guard lost the ball.
There were officially missed calls at the end of the Sixer’s loss, but they still had opportunities to close out the game. If the Sixers had been able to get the rebound on the first DiVacenzo three-pointer, the game would have been over. Also, before Maxey was fouled, fans pointed out that he had committed an offensive foul. Maxey pushed off of Jalen Brunson before the sequence. The Sixers had their chance. Missed calls happen, but you have to play through them. You can’t expect the refs to bail you out of a jam. Just get the rebound, and the series is tied.
I’m coming to next knicks game we gotta rep like they did that whole arena was half knicks fans … let’s play our part no blame game get you to a chip!