NBA Launches Investigation After Joel Embiid Allegedly Confronts Reporter.
The NBA has announced it is investigating an alleged physical altercation involving Philadelphia 76ers
star Joel Embiid and a reporter in the team’s locker room. The incident reportedly followed a contentious article that mentioned Embiid’s son and late brother, as well as criticising his fitness and professionalism.
Embiid, a seven-time NBA All-Star and the 2023 Most Valuable Player, has yet to play this season due to a knee injury. The altercation occurred after the 76ers suffered a 124-107 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. According to reports, Embiid confronted the reporter, warning, “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.”
Witnesses allege that the confrontation escalated, with Embiid, 30, pushing the reporter on the shoulder before a Sixers official intervened to separate the pair. This incident followed comments Embiid made during a press conference on Friday, where he expressed frustration over public questioning of his commitment. “When I see people saying ‘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 remarked.
The NBA confirmed in a statement: “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation.” Additionally, Sixers president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, told ESPN that the team has initiated its own inquiry, stating that the organisation is taking the matter “very seriously.”
