Joel Embiid Suspended 3 Games For Altercation With Columist
Joel Embiid became the talk of the NBA. Marcus Hayes, a controversial columnist in Philadelphia, for some reason, chose to bring up Embiid’s late brother Arthur in a column where he questioned Embiid’s work ethic.
Embiid understandably did not take kindly to it and called out Marcus Hayes in his Friday Press Conference. The following night, with Hayes in the locker room, he confronted him, and it ended with him shoving Hayes.
Related: Kevin Cooney Recounts Joel Embiid Locker Room Incident on 97.5 The Fanatic [AUDIO]
In the aftermath, there was a lot of support for Embiid, even from some NBA Media Members. But the NBA was not so supportive of Embiid. They have passed down a 3 game suspension on the Sixers center. Embiid had already missed the first 6 games of the season, and now he will miss at least the next 3.
Here Is The Official Statement By The NBA On Joel Embiid Being Suspended
The suspension can not officially begin until Embiid is healthy. So it could be delayed still. The Sixers next game is Wednesday Night in LA vs the Clippers. But the suspension won’t start then, unless the Sixers clear him to play.
If he does just miss these next 3 games, his first game back would be the opening of the NBA In-Season Tournament vs the Knicks on November 12th. Early reports are that he will be activated, serve those 3 games, and then make his debut against the Knicks. But no official statement has been made yet.
Whatever the case, Embiid’s late start to the season will be delayed even further. It is not surprising. We knew that when it happened, no matter how understandable Embiid’s anger was, there would be a punishment for it.
The Sixers are 1-5 without him. Paul George just returned last night in a loss to the Suns. Embiid’s absence has led to an early hole, and that hole now has a chance to get deeper.