PHILADELPHIA – Joel Embiid punched and shoved Philadelphia 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 upset about the columnist’s recent work, criticizing him for missing the start of the 2024-25 regular season with a knee ailment following a surgery last February.

As he walked from his locker to Hayes, Embiid shouted his disapproval of Hayes mentioning his late brother and son, both named Arthur, in an Oct. 23 column. Later that day, Hayes removed those references from the column, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “I can see why so many people were upset about this. I’m 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’ll “take all the hits” from the media about his basketball or health deficiencies, but that “nobody’s coming for my family.” He added that if Hayes wrote about those family members 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 also accused Hayes of making similar references in previous columns, which Hayes denied.

The incident, which lasted about two minutes, occurred during the locker room period open to reporters and was witnessed by several members of the media, Sixers players and staff. Reporters were waiting to speak with All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey at his locker, which is next to Embiid’s. Sixers members and teammates stepped in 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 for my version of events. … They agreed that Embiid’s actions were unacceptable.”

The NBA released the following statement Saturday night: “We are aware 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, editor and senior vice president Gabriel Escobar said: “Marcus is a seasoned and accomplished columnist who provides insightful and insightful commentary based on his observations. You are free to disagree with what he says, but a physical attack is unjustified and intolerable and we take this matter very seriously.”

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

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 disputed 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’ve done way too much for this city (implicit) to be treated like this.

“I wish I was as lucky as some (players who were healthier during their careers). But that doesn’t mean I don’t try and do whatever it takes to be there, which I’ll be here soon enough.

Embiid, who signed a three-year, $193 million contract extension last month, has made seven consecutive All-Star teams and was crowned MVP in 2023. But he has suffered numerous injuries throughout his career, including meniscus procedure last season, plus a battle 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 and did not participate in live five-on-five games during the Sixers’ Oct. 23 home opener. The league fined the Sixers $100,000 on Oct. 29 for “inconsistent” statements about Embiid’s availability.

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