76ers’ Joel Embiid confronts, shoves Philadelphia columnist after team’s loss to Grizzlies

On By Littum

Subscribe to Fox News to access this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – for free.

By entering your email and pressing Continue, you agree to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Financial Incentive Notice.

Please enter a valid email address.

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been a source of controversy to start the 2024-25 NBA season, and tempers flared Saturday night after the team’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Embiid yelled and shoved Philadelphia newspaper columnist Marcus Hayes in a locker room altercation after the 124-107 loss to the Grizzlies. The NBA investigated the incident.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Joel Embiid is watching

Sixers’ Joel Embiid looks over the court after the Memphis Grizzlies game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Hayes had mentioned Embiid’s late brother and his son — both named Arthur — in a recent column questioning the center’s professionalism. The column also questioned his efforts and not being in shape after the Paris Olympics. He has not played yet this season.

Embiid confronted Hayes as players and the media entered the locker room.

“The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you’re going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to have to… live with the consequences,” Embiid told Hayes.

Hayes offered an apology, but Embiid demurred, saying, “It’s not f—ing the first time.”

The incident then exploded as Embiid appeared to get taller and eventually pushed Hayes as a team PR representative tried to step between them. A team security official reportedly asked the media not to report what happened.

Joel Embiid scratches his neck

Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid watches from the bench during the Indiana Pacers game Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

JEMELE HILL SAYS NICK BOSA NEEDS ‘TUTS’ TO EXPLAIN TRUMP SUPPORT, QUOTES LEBRON JAMES’ ‘IN DETAIL’ HARRIS NODS

Embiid shouted over the security guard.

“They can do whatever they want,” he said. “I don’t give a s—.”

Hayes recently wrote that Embiid disrespected the 76ers and the game of basketball. He wrote that the Sixers should consider giving fans refunds when he doesn’t play.

Embiid called Hayes out Friday after practice.

“I’ve done way too much for this… city to be treated like this, done way too… much,” Embiid said Friday. “I wish I was as lucky as others, but that doesn’t mean I don’t try and I don’t do what it takes to be out there, which I will be here soon.”

Joel Embiid watches the court

Joel Embiid of Team USA before the match against Serbia on July 28, 2024 at the Paris Olympics. (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Hayes did not respond to the incident.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.