By Kevin Cooney

PHILADELPHIA — A visibly angry Joel Embiid yelled at a Philadelphia newspaper columnist and eventually pushed into a locker room altercation after The struggling 76ers lost to the Memphis Grizzlies saturday evening

The NBA quickly said it had opened an investigation into the matter.

Embiid took issue with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, who mentioned the All-Star center’s late brother and his son — both named Arthur — in columns that questioned Embiid’s professionalism and effort not to be in form after playing at the Paris Olympics. Embiid still not playing for the 76ers this season.

As reporters entered the locker room to talk to the players, Embiid stood up and confronted Hayes.

“The next time you raise 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.

Embiid continued, with several examples of profanity in the next few sentences. Hayes offered an apology, which Embiid didn’t want. “This is not the first time.” Embiid said.

Embiid later said he doesn’t care what reporters say. “You do,” Hayes replied.

Embiid seemed to get louder at that point, and not long after that he nudged Hayes on the shoulder as the team’s head of public relations interrupted them. Another public relations person moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outside the locker room, trying to free reporters.

At the same time, a team security person asked the media not to report on what happened. Embiid shouted over the security guard.

“They can do whatever they want,” Embiid said. “I don’t give as…”

Embiid called out Hayes in a press conference after Friday’s practice at the team’s practice facility, referring to him as “Marcus, whatever his name is” and questioning critics of his extended absence.

Hayes recently wrote a story saying Embiid disrespects the 76ers and the game, and that the team should consider giving refunds to fans when Embiid doesn’t play.

“We’ve done way too much for this … city to be treated like this, we’ve 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 do whatever it takes to be there, which I will be here soon enough.”

Hayes was not at practice Friday. It remains unclear when Embiid will play, and the NBA’s investigation will determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.

Originally published: Nov 3, 2024 at 12:16 AM EDT