Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been suspended by the Philadelphia NBA for three games without pay following an altercation with a member of the media.
Altercation With Journalist in Philadelphia
The incident, which involved Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, occurred in the locker room Saturday night. The suspension will begin with the first regular-season game in which Embiid is eligible to play, as he has yet to participate this season due to what the team has described as "left knee management."
According to reports, Embiid initially yelled at Hayes and then escalated the situation by shoving him in the shoulder, prompting the PR team to intervene to avoid a larger confrontation.
The altercation was sparked by recent comments in Hayes' columns questioning Embiid's professionalism and fitness following his participation in the Paris Olympics. Hayes had referenced Embiid's deceased brother and young son, both named Arthur, in his criticism, which apparently upset the 76ers center.
After a 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Embiid directly confronted Hayes when reporters entered the locker room for post-game interviews. Witnesses reported that Embiid warned Hayes to stop mentioning his family, using explicit language to express his anger.
Physical Contact
Although Hayes attempted to apologize, Embiid brushed him off, claiming it wasn't the first time the columnist had attacked him in this manner and reportedly saying, "It's not the f-- first time." As Embiid's voice increased in pitch, he eventually made physical contact by shoving Hayes, at which point team personnel intervened to defuse the situation.
Team officials also took steps to manage tension in the locker room by moving teammate Tyrese Maxey's interview outside.
In response to the incident, NBA executive Joe Dumars reiterated the league's commitment to maintaining "mutual respect" between players and members of the media. Dumars acknowledged that while Embiid's frustration with Hayes' comments may be understandable, the league does not condone physical confrontation as an acceptable response.
Spurs' Jeremy Sochan To Undergo Surgery After Thumb Fracture
In another injury update, San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan will undergo surgery to repair a fractured left thumb. The injury occurred during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers after Sochan collided with a screen near the Clippers' bench late in the second quarter.
With just over three minutes remaining in the first half, Sochan left the game and did not return. After his departure, the Spurs initially held a strong lead, leading by 26 points in the first quarter. However, the Clippers managed to rally in the second half to earn their first win in their new home, the Intuit Dome.
Sochan, now in his third NBA season, has reached career highs, averaging 15.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. The Spurs announced that they will provide an update on his recovery following surgery.
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Nick Richards' Injury Compounds Hornets' Problems
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets face a setback with the injury to center Nick Richards, who is expected to be sidelined at least two weeks due to a cartilage fracture in the right first rib, located below the collarbone.
The injury occurred during a Nov. 1 game against the Boston Celtics when Richards suffered a hard collision in the first half. Although the team has not issued a precise timetable for his return, they plan to re-evaluate his status every two weeks, with an update likely after their away tour on November 17.
The Hornets' center position had already been weakened by the absence of regular starter Mark Williams, who has also been sidelined this season with injury.
Richards, who stands seven feet tall and has 205 NBA games, has set new personal bests this season, averaging 11 points, 10 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his first five games.
His career averages are 6.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game, highlighting his recent growth and importance to the team in the midst of these injury challenges.
