As if Joel Embiid’s 2024-25 season could start any worse. The NBA has officially announced that the Philadelphia 76ers superstar will serve a three-game suspension without pay.
NBA Issues Suspension to Joel Embiid
The league’s decision regarding Embiid’s suspension was made public on Tuesday and was influenced by a recent confrontation he had with a reporter.
“Mutual respect is essential to the dynamic between players and the media in the NBA,” stated Joe Dumars, NBA Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations. “While we acknowledge that Joel found the initial version of the reporter’s column to be offensive, interactions must stay professional on both ends and must never escalate to physical altercations.”
The altercation reportedly occurred between Joel and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, following the 76ers’ 124-107 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. Hayes had recently penned an article criticizing Embiid’s decision to sit out, in which he mentioned Embiid’s brother and son, who both tragically passed away. This piece drew significant backlash and clearly disturbed Embiid.
Understanding Embiid’s Discontent with the Media
Embiid essentially told Hayes to refrain from bringing up his family when assessing his performance on the court.
Embiid further warned the reporter, “The next time you mention my deceased brother and my son again, you’re going to see what I’m capable of doing, and I’ll have to … live with the repercussions.”
Despite Hayes’s attempts to apologize, Embiid reportedly dismissed his overtures. The heated exchange continued for several minutes until Joel pushed Hayes and walked away.
Joel Embiid has faced ongoing scrutiny as he recovers from injuries. Like Hayes, some within the league have begun to question Embiid’s dedication to playing for Philadelphia.
The Sixers star made it clear that he would “love to be out there every single game” with his team, adding that the public criticisms were “nonsense.”
