Joel Embiid Gets 3-Game Suspension for Shoving Columnist Who Mentioned His Late Younger Brother

Mar. 15, 2025

Joel Embiid.Photo:Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty

Philadelphia 76ers starJoel Embiidhas received a three-game suspension aftershoving a columnist who mentioned his late younger brother in a recent article.

The physical altercation withPhiladelphia InquirercolumnistMarcus Hayes occurred at the NBA team’s locker room following their 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, Nov. 2.

“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” said Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations in astatementon Tuesday, Nov. 5.

According to the NBA’s press release, Embiid’s suspension will commence with the next NBA regular-season game for which “he is eligible and able to play.”

It began with an introductory paragraph — that has since been deleted — reading, “Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth ofhis son, Arthur, as the major inflection point in his basketball career. He often says that he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in an automobile accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er.”

Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid watches after an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Philadelphia.AP Photo/Matt Slocum

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Embiid welcomed his son Arthur with his wife,Anne de Paula, in September 2020.

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At the time of his brother’s death, he shared a photo of him on Instagram, reflecting on plans he had to visit him that summer.

“RIP for my brother who died at the age of 13. The bad thing is that I hadn’t seen since I left Cameroon 4 years ago and all these days, I was just thinking about next summer so I have a chance to finally see him again….. GOD has a plan for all of us. We just gotta pray. HES GONNA BE MISSED#RIP#WHYHIM,” wrote Embiid in an October 2014post.

Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Joel Embiid #21 against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Wells Fargo Center on November 2, 2024.Mitchell Leff/Getty

Mitchell Leff/Getty

Embiid gave an update on his health to reporters on Friday, Nov. 1, expressing, perNBC Sports Philadelphia: “I had surgery in February or whenever that was, and I did come back early to fight for the team and to play, try to give us a chance. Unfortunately, we lost (to the Knicks in the playoffs). And then I had time to recover. I’ve really still been managing since the last surgery.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“Just managing and trying to figure out the best approach, but I feel pretty good. I’ve started doing some live stuff and it feels pretty good, so I should be back pretty soon," he added.

source: people.com