76ers' Joel Embiid confronts Philadelphia columnist and shoves him after the team's loss to the Grizzlies

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Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid caused controversy at the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, and tempers flared on Saturday night following the team's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Embiid yelled and shoved Philadelphia newspaper columnist Marcus Hayes in a locker room altercation following the 124-107 loss to the Grizzlies. The NBA investigated the incident.

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Joel Embiid of the Sixers looks on the court after the Memphis Grizzlies game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Hayes had mentioned Embiid's late brother and son – both named Arthur – in a recent column questioning the center's professionalism. The column also questioned his efforts and lack of form after the Paris Olympics. He hasn't played yet this season.

Embiid confronted Hayes as players and members of the media entered the locker room.

“The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you'll see what I'm going to do to you and I'm going to have to… live with the consequences,” Embiid Hayes said.

Hayes apologized, but Embiid pushed back, saying, “This isn't the first time.”

The incident then exploded when Embiid appeared to get louder and ended up shoving Hayes while a team public relations representative tried to intervene. A security official from the team reportedly asked the media not to cover the incident.

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers watches from the bench during the Indiana Pacers game Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

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Embiid yelled at the security guard.

“They can do whatever they want,” he said. “I don’t give a shit.”

Hayes recently wrote that Embiid doesn't respect the 76ers or the game of basketball. He wrote that the Sixers should consider giving fans a refund if he doesn't play.

Embiid called Hayes after practice on Friday.

“I have done way too much for this… city to be treated like this, done way too… much,” Embiid said Friday. “I wish I was as lucky as the others, but that doesn't mean I'm not trying and doing whatever it takes to get out there and I'll be here soon.”