Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has been accused of shoving a reporter following a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Keith Pompey tweeted: “Oh wow, people will remember the Sixers season for all the wrong reasons.” The team just fell to 1-4 and Joel Embiid attacked a journalist in the locker room.
In a subsequent tweet from ESPN’s Shams Charania, he reported that Embiid ‘had an altercation with a columnist after tonight’s game in Philadelphia. Embiid took issue with a recent column that referenced his late brother and son, and Embiid shoved the columnist. No punches.
While Charania’s tweet does not specifically name the columnist, it is likely referencing an article written by the Inquirer’s Marcus Hayes that criticized the 7-foot Embiid’s work ethic while referring to his late brother, Arthur.
“Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son, Arthur, as the major turning point in his basketball career,” Hayes’ October column read. “He often says he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in a car accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er.”
Sixers star Joel Embiid has been accused of shoving a reporter in the locker room
The next paragraph says, “Well, to be great at your job, you first have to show up for work.” Embiid has been great in just the opposite. Now in its eleventh season, it has consistently been in poor condition. This poor conditioning apparently appears to have delayed his debut this season.
Just on Friday, Embiid lashed out at the Philadelphia media – and specifically criticized Hayes – who have been critical of the former MVP and have accused him of not wanting to play basketball.
“When I see people say ‘he doesn’t want to play,’ I’ve done too much for this city, putting myself at risk of people saying that. I think this is nonsense,” Embiid said.
‘Like that guy, he’s not here, Marcus, I’ve done too much for this damn city to be treated like this. I have done too much. I wish I was as lucky as everyone else, but that doesn’t mean I’m not doing whatever it takes to be there, and I will.’
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