Joel Embiid gets suspended for pushing journalist

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is suspended by the NBA on Tuesday for three games without pay for shoving a member of the media. Joel Embiid’s suspension will begin with the next regular-season game for which he is eligible and able to play. The 2023 NBA MVP is yet to play this season because of what the 76ers call left knee management.

Philadelphia 76ers begin a road trip in Los Angeles against the Clippers on Wednesday night. Embiid shouted at and eventually shoved a newspaper columnist in a locker room altercation Saturday night. “Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” league executive Joe Dumars said in a statement announcing the suspension. “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.”

Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Inquirer, who questioned Embiid's professionalism and effort after competing in the Paris Olympics, was criticized by Embiid for bringing up the seven-time All-Star's late brother and his son, both called Arthur. After a 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the two-time NBA scoring champion stood up and approached Hayes as media went into the locker room to speak with players. 

Joel Embiid was picked in 2014 NBA Draft

At that moment, Joel Embiid seemed to become more vocal, and shortly after, he shoved Hayes on the shoulder as the team's PR director intervened. In an attempt to get reporters to shift Tyrese Maxey's interview, another public relations representative moved it to the hallway outside the locker room.

Despite missing his first two complete seasons due to injuries, Embiid was selected third overall in the 2014 NBA draft. He has only participated in 59 of 67 potential playoff games and 433 of 805 regular-season games since his debut full season in 2016.