By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
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.
“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.
As reporters entered the locker room to talk to players, Embiid stood and confronted Hayes.
“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.