Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been suspended three games without pay for shoving a member of the media, the NBA announced on Tuesday.
The suspension will begin with the next regular season game Embiid is eligible and able to play in.
The incident in question occurred between Embiid and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes after the Sixers’ loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. Embiid had taken issue with a recent column by Hayes that mentioned Embiid’s son and late brother — both named Arthur — while questioning Embiid’s professionalism and effort to stay in shape.
After shouting at Hayes during an exchange of words, Embiid shoved the columnist.
“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” the league’s 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.”
Embiid has missed all six of the 76ers’ regular season games this year due to left knee injury management.