NBA suspends Embiid for three games after altercation with media

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been handed a three-game suspension by the NBA following a heated confrontation with a reporter. The 2023 NBA MVP, who has been out this season due to left knee management, will serve the suspension beginning with the next regular-season game he’s eligible to play.

Joel Embiid was suspended for an altercation he had with a media member

Out for three games

via @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/NaOIAb09sy

— Whistle (@WhistleSports) November 5, 2024

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The incident occurred in the locker room on Saturday night, where Embiid reportedly shouted at and then shoved a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist, Marcus Hayes. Hayes had recently published critical columns that questioned Embiid’s conditioning and professionalism, mentioning Embiid’s personal life, including his late brother and young son, in the context of his recent Olympic participation.

In announcing the suspension, NBA executive Joe Dumars emphasized the importance of respectful interactions between players and media, saying, “While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original comments, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”

Embiid, a seven-time All-Star and core player for Philadelphia, will miss the start of the team’s upcoming road trip, which begins against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.