The NBA announced Tuesday evening that Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been suspended three games for a postgame altercation with a columnist that resulted in Embiid shoving the writer.
Following the Sixers’ loss Saturday night to the Memphis Grizzlies, Embiid engaged Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Inquirer, loudly expressing discontent for Hayes’ Oct. 23 column. The column criticized Embiid’s lack of availability throughout his career, while also involving Embiid’s late brother, Arthur, and his son, Arthur, who is named for his brother.
The full details of what transpired between Embiid and Hayes on Saturday can be found here.
“Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son, Arthur, as the major inflection point in his basketball career,” Hayes wrote in the original version of the column, which has since been edited and Hayes has addressed on Twitter. “He often says that he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in an automobile accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er.
“Well, in order to be great at your job, you first have to show up for work. Embiid has been great at just the opposite,” Hayes continued.
In the NBA’s press release, the league made clear that Embiid’s suspension will not kick until he is available for games. Embiid is yet to play this season as he’s been sidelined with “left knee management.”
NBA EVP, Head of Basketball Ops Joe Dumas:
“While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter’s column, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”
— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) November 5, 2024
Prior to news of this suspension, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that there’s hope Embiid could return Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. If that comes to fruition, Embiid would be out Wednesday, as well as Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers and Sunday at home against the Charlotte Hornets.
The following has been released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/eOQoaZxdUT
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 5, 2024
Update: Embiid’s Suspension To Begin Wednesday Against The Clippers
ESPN’s Shams Charania is reporting that Embiid’s suspension will start Wednesday when Philadelphia faces the Clippers in Los Angeles. Prior to news of the suspension, The Athletic‘s Sam Amick had previously reported there was hope Embiid would be ready to make his season debut Wednesday. Charania’s latest update confirms he is, yet the suspension will delay that debut until Nov. 12 against the New York Knicks.
Joel Embiid’s three-game suspension will span Wednesday vs. Clippers, Friday vs. Lakers and Sunday vs. Hornets – meaning the former league MVP is set to make his season debut in NBA Cup opener against the Knicks on Nov. 12 in Philadelphia, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/6uUp2r2qJf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2024
