Philadelphia 76ers center, Joel Embiid has been suspended for three games by the NBA following a shoving incident involving a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist in response to a critical article.
The article referenced Embiid’s personal life, including his son and late brother, and questioned his fitness and commitment to the game.
The altercation occurred after the 76ers’ 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
Embiid, who has not yet played this season due to a knee injury, is the reigning NBA MVP and a seven-time All-Star.
The suspension follows a league statement from Joe Dumars, NBA executive vice president of basketball operations, stressing the importance of professionalism in player-media interactions, even in response to personal criticisms.
“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” league executive vice-president and head of basketball operations Joe Dumars said in a statement.
“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.”
The incident has compounded a tough start for Philadelphia, with the 76ers managing just one win in their first six games without their star player.
