Joel Embiid Suspended Three Games Without Pay for Shoving Reporter

The Philadelphia 76ers suffered a tough loss last night against the Phoenix Suns, and they also received bad news on their off day. Former NBA MVP Joel Embiid will be suspended for the next three games for the incident Saturday night with Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Embiid took exception to Hayes, who referred to Embiid’s son and late brother.

Although this personal situation took a turn in the locker room, the NBA had to punish Embiid for his conduct. Joe Dumars mentioned how the league understands emotions run high, and Embiid has to refrain from himself.

“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” NBA EVP and Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars said. “While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter’s column, interaction must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”

Embiid has not played yet this season, nursing a knee injury, and announced he will not play in back-to-backs often throughout the rest of his career. Fans, former players, and some columnists like Hayes took exception to this claim.

“Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son, Arthur, as the major inflection point in his basketball career,” Columnist Hayes wrote in his feature. “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. Now in his 11th season, he consistently has been in poor condition. This poor conditioning apparently seems to have delayed his debut this season.”

It makes sense as Embiid has nursed injuries throughout his career, during the off-season without the proper amount of time, and played in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Embiid did not rest enough. However, in a city like Philadelphia, hard work means something.

The Sixers were also fined $100,000 for statements they made about their franchise players’ health. Giving excuses or saying you are going to sit out in advance can rub fans the wrong way, especially in the city of Brotherly Love.

Paul George and the Sixers will visit the Los Angeles Clippers at the Crypto arena, sitting with a 1-5 record. The tide needs to turn over in Philadelphia, and after a three-game suspension, hopefully, Embiid will be fully healthy and ready to play.