The NBA has launched an investigation following an alleged physical altercation between Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid and a reporter after the team’s 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
Embiid, reportedly upset over an article that mentioned his son, late brother, and questioned his professionalism and fitness, confronted the reporter in the Philadelphia locker room.
According to reports, Embiid warned the reporter, saying, “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 as the confrontation escalated, Embiid pushed the reporter on the shoulder before a Sixers official intervened.
The seven-time NBA All-Star and the 2023 NBA MVP, has yet to play this season due to a knee issue.
Paul George talks to Joel Embiid. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
He addressed the article in question during a press conference on Friday, saying, “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.”
The NBA released a statement confirming it is “aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and [is] commencing an investigation.”
Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey also revealed the team has launched its own investigation, stating they take the matter “very seriously.”
