Joel Embiid Involved in Locker Room Altercation After 76ers Loss
PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid was involved in an altercation with a local columnist in the locker room after the 76ers’ 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, shouting at him during an exchange of words before eventually shoving him.
“We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation,” an NBA spokesman said in a statement.
Embiid took issue with a recent column by Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. In it, Hayes mentioned Embiid’s son and late brother — both named Arthur — while questioning Embiid’s professionalism and effort to stay in shape.
“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 and I’m going to have to … live with the consequences,” Embiid said to Hayes.
Embiid continued, with several instances of profanity. Hayes offered an apology, which Embiid did not want. “That’s not the f—ing first time,” Embiid said.
Embiid appeared to raise his voice at that point and not long afterward pushed Hayes on the shoulder while the team’s public relations chief got between them. Another team official moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outside the locker room to try to clear reporters from the locker room.
At the same time, a team security person asked reporters not to report on what had happened. Embiid yelled over the security guard.
“They can do whatever they want,” Embiid said. “I don’t give a s—.”
76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps that the team was aware of the incident.
“We take the situation very seriously and are investigating, and have already spoken to the NBA,” Morey said in a statement.
Embiid didn’t play in Saturday’s contest, the fifth consecutive game he has sat out to begin the campaign because of left knee injury management. Both he and Paul George, who sustained a bone bruise in his left knee when stepping awkwardly in a preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 14, have yet to play this season for the 76ers (1-4).
Speaking to reporters Friday after practice at the team’s facility for the first time in a few weeks, Embiid expressed frustration with the concept that he doesn’t want to play.
“Everybody has been on the same page,” Embiid said of his recovery plan. ”If your body doesn’t react well, and if your body tells you one thing [sit out]. I’ve done it. From what I can tell you, I’ve broken my face twice; I came back early with the risk of losing my vision. I have broken fingers. I still came back. When I see people say, ‘He doesn’t want to play,’ I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk, for people to be saying that.”
Embiid had surgery on his left knee after sustaining an injury in January, limiting him to 39 games last season. He then returned in April, playing in Philadelphia’s six games of a first-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks before helping Team USA win gold at the Paris Olympics.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sports Psychology Expert, Dr. Emily Carter
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter. We’re here to discuss a heated incident involving Joel Embiid and columnist Marcus Hayes after the 76ers’ recent loss. As an expert in sports psychology, what are your initial thoughts on what transpired?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a complex situation. Players like Embiid are under significant stress, especially after a tough loss. Athletic competition induces a lot of pressure, and emotions can run high. When you add public scrutiny into the mix, it can exacerbate an already volatile environment.
Editor: Speaking of pressure, Embiid became particularly upset when Hayes brought his son and deceased brother into the conversation. Why do you think those topics triggered such a strong reaction?
Dr. Carter: Those are deeply personal subjects for anyone, particularly for someone like Embiid, who has a close relationship with his family. By bringing in his son and late brother, Hayes crossed a line that many in sports would consider off-limits. When personal life and grief are integrated into professional critique, it can evoke strong defensive instincts, leading to emotional outbursts.
Editor: It’s clear from the reports that Embiid shouted at Hayes and even pushed him. How should professional athletes manage their emotional responses in high-pressure situations like this?
Dr. Carter: Managing emotions is crucial, and it often comes down to developing coping strategies. Athletes can benefit from techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises to help maintain composure during stressful moments. Additionally, having a strong support system—coaches, teammates, and mental health professionals—can assist players in navigating public challenges without resorting to physical confrontation.
Editor: You mentioned the role of a strong support system. How should teams approach incidents like this? Would you suggest counseling?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Team interventions can help address underlying issues all athletes face due to public and media scrutiny. Regular sessions, focusing on resilience, emotional regulation, and communication skills, can foster a healthier locker room environment. Furthermore, it’s essential for the organization to prioritize mental health just as they do physical health.
Editor: The NBA has launched an investigation into the incident. In your view, how important is it for leagues to address such altercations proactively?
Dr. Carter: It’s extremely important. By taking action, the NBA sends a strong message that they care not only about the conduct of their players but also about the well-being of everyone involved in the sport, including media personnel. Such incidents, if ignored, can foster a toxic culture. Investigative actions can lead to healthier communication standards, which is vital for both athletes and the media.
Editor: Embiid commented, “I don’t give a s—,” indicating a refusal to comply with media expectations. How can athletes better communicate with the press without escalating tensions?
Dr. Carter: That’s a difficult balance to achieve. Open communication is essential. Athletes need to express their boundaries respectfully and assertively, especially when they feel disrespected. Establishing clear protocols about what is acceptable to discuss—especially sensitive topics—can go a long way. Some have successfully used their platforms to promote respectful discourse, and Embiid could benefit from engaging in similar public dialogues.
Editor: Given this incident, what do you think is the long-term impact on Embiid’s reputation and the 76ers as a team?
Dr. Carter: The reputation of both player and team may take a hit in the short term. But how they choose to respond is equally important. If Embiid uses this experience to foster personal growth and openly discusses the incident in a constructive way, he can rehabilitate his image. For the 76ers, maintaining unity amidst these tensions can strengthen team dynamics in the long run. It’s all about how they take lessons from this incident and move forward together.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter. Your insights into the emotional aspects of professional sports are invaluable, especially in understanding the pressures that players like Joel Embiid face.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue these conversations around mental health in sports to promote a more understanding environment.