NBA Suspends Philadelphia 76ers Star Joel Embiid for Physical Altercation With a Reporter

Philadelphia 76ers’ star Joel Embiid has received a three-game suspension without pay for being involved in a physical altercation with a journalist. Embiid’s actions took place in the 76ers locker room after the team’s 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday at Wells Fargo Center.

Joel Embiid is a player that divides opinions, there are no two ways about it. While he is one of the best players in the NBA, Embiid’s constant injury troubles and load management antics have earned him his fair share of critics. Criticism is fair until it’s constructive, but when it gets into the territory of personal slander then things start to escalate. And that’s exactly what happened between Embiid and Philadelphia Inquirer’s columnist, Marcus Haynes. 

The Sixers star took serious offense at a recent column by Hayes, who questioned Embiid’s commitment to the game and took it a step further by mentioning Embiid’s son and late brother. Outraged by the personal nature of these comments, Embiid confronted Hayes at a recent Sixers game, which the former MVP was sitting out due to injury. Angered by the insensitive nature of the column, Embiid confronted Hayes during a recent Sixers game in which the former MVP sat out due to an injury. During the confrontation, Embiid (alleged) said, “The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I’m going to do to you. I’m going to have to … live with the consequences.” No punches were thrown during the dust-up, but Embiid did shove Hayes. Due to the altercation, the NBA has suspended Embiid for three games – that too without pay. 

Joe Dumars, NBA’s Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, said, “Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA. 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.”  Embiid’s suspension will commence with the next NBA regular-season game for which he is eligible and able to play. Joel Embiid’s suspension means he’ll sit out Wednesday night’s clash with the Los Angeles Clippers (Nov. 6), Friday’s showdown against the Lakers (Nov. 8), and Sunday’s game versus the Charlotte Hornets (Nov. 10). The seven-time All-Star, still awaiting his first game this season due to injury, is now set for an anticipated return to action on Tuesday, 12th November, when the Sixers take on the New York Knicks for his 2024-25 season debut. 

Embiid’s Suspension Fuels Mega Donation 

The three-game suspension that Joel Embiid has received isn’t just detrimental to the 76ers, but also to Embiid’s back account. The Cameroonian is in line to forfeit almost a million dollars, as the NBA has decided to suspend him without pay. Embiid, who will earn approximately 51-million dollars during the 2024/25 season, is on track to become one of the most fined players in the NBA. However, there’s a silver lining for all parties involved. The NBA has decided to donate the fined amount to charity.  Half of the fine will be donated to a nonprofit chosen by the National Basketball Players Association, while the other half will go to a nonprofit selected by the NBA. The distribution of funds is determined by the collective bargaining agreement ratified in 2023.