Joel Embiid punches and shoves Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes during locker room altercation

Joel Embiid punched and shoved Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes during a profanity-laced altercation in the 76ers locker room after Saturday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Embiid, whose open hand made contact with Hayes’ neck and collarbone area, was angered by the columnist’s recent work criticizing him to miss the start of the 2024–25 regular season due to a knee ailment following surgery last February.

As he moved from his locker toward Hayes, Embiid shouted his disapproval of Hayes mentioning his late brother and son, both named Arthur. in an October 23 column. Later that day, Hayes removed those references from the column, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “I can see why so many people were upset. Sorry about that. Thanks for all the constructive criticism.” Hayes tried to apologize to Embiid on Saturday, but was rebuffed before the confrontation turned physical.

Embiid told Hayes that he will “take all the shots” from the media about his basketball shortcomings or health, but that “no one is coming after my family.” He added that if Hayes wrote about those family members again, “you will see what I will do to you and I will have to live with the consequences.” Embiid also accused Hayes of making similar references in previous columns, which Hayes denied.

The incident, which lasted about two minutes, occurred during the period when the locker room is open to reporters and was witnessed by several members of the media, Sixers players and staff. Reporters waited to speak with All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey at his locker, which is next to Embiid’s. Sixers personnel and teammates intervened to separate Embiid from Hayes as the confrontation escalated, and Embiid left the locker room shortly after it dissipated.

Afterward, Hayes said he was escorted to a meeting with Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and general manager Elton Brand. Hayes said Morey and Brand “apologized for the incident, expressed regret that it happened and asked me for my version of events. … They agreed that Embiid’s actions were unacceptable.”

The NBA released the following statement late Saturday: “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers’ locker room tonight and are beginning an investigation.” A Sixers spokesman confirmed Sunday morning that the team is cooperating with the NBA’s investigation.

In a statement, Inquirer editor and senior vice president Gabriel Escobar said, “Marcus is an experienced and accomplished columnist who provides sharp and enlightening commentary based on his observations. You are free to disagree with what he says, but a physical assault is unwarranted and unsustainable and we take this matter very seriously.”

The Sixers knew Hayes would be at Saturday’s game, he said, and were open to clearing the air between the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player and columnist. The team leaves on Sunday for a three-game road trip at the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.

» READ MORE: Joel Embiid takes aim at critics who question knee injury: ‘I’ve done way too much for this city’

It is common practice for sports columnists to appear immediately after writing critically about a player, coach or team. Without advance notice, Embiid held his first media session in about four weeks after Friday’s practice — and publicly took issue with Hayes’ columns.

“When I see people say, ‘He doesn’t want to play,'” Embiid said. ” … like that guy, he’s not here, Marcus, whatever his name is. I have done far too much for this (explosive) city to be treated like this. Did way too (expletive) much.

“I wish I was as lucky as others (players who have been healthier during their careers). But that doesn’t mean I don’t try and I don’t do what it takes to be out there, which I will soon be here.”

Embiid, who signed a three-year, $193 million contract extension last month, has made seven consecutive All-Star teams and was crowned the 2023 MVP. But he has sustained numerous injuries throughout his career, including last season’s meniscus procedure plus a bout with Bell’s Palsy during the playoffs. Embiid then played in the Summer Olympics, helping Team USA win a gold medal, but did not play in any preseason games or participate in live five-on-five scrimmages leading up to the Sixers’ Oct. 23 opener. It was the Sixers fined $100,000 on October 29 for “inconsistent” statements about Embiid’s availability.