Joel Embiid punched and shoved Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes during a profanity-laced altercation in the 76ers' locker room Saturday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Embiid, whose open hand touched Hayes' neck and collarbone area, was angry at the columnist's current works in which he is criticized because he missed the start of the 2024-25 regular season due to a knee ailment following surgery last February.

While walking toward Hayes from his locker, Embiid shouted his disapproval at Hayes mentioning his late brother and son, both named Arthur. in an Oct. 23 column. Later that day, Hayes removed those references from the column and posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I can understand why so many people were upset about this. I'm sorry. Thank you for the constructive criticism.” Hayes tried to apologize to Embiid on Saturday but was rebuffed before the confrontation turned physical.

Embiid told Hayes that he would take “any opinions” from the media about his basketball deficiencies or his health, but that “no one is coming for my family.” He added that if Hayes writes about these family members again, “you will see what I will do to you, and I will (expletive) have to live with the consequences.” Embiid also accused Hayes of making similar references in previous columns to have, which Hayes denied.

The incident, which lasted about two minutes, occurred while the locker room was open to reporters and was witnessed by multiple media members, Sixers players and staff. Reporters waited to speak with All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey at his locker, which is next to Embiid's. Sixers staff and teammates intervened to separate Embiid from Hayes as the confrontation escalated, and Embiid left the locker room shortly after the confrontation broke up.

Afterward, Hayes said he was accompanied to a meeting with Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and general manager Elton Brand. Hayes said Morey and Brand “apologized for the incident, expressed regret that it occurred, and asked me for my version of events.” … They agreed that Embiid's actions were unacceptable. “

The NBA issued the following statement late Saturday: “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are conducting an investigation.” A Sixers spokesman confirmed Sunday morning that the team is cooperating with the NBA's investigation cooperated.

In a statement, Inquirer publisher and senior vice president Gabriel Escobar said: “Marcus is an experienced and accomplished columnist who provides sharp and insightful commentary based on his observations. You are free to disagree with what he says, but a physical attack is unjustified and intolerable and we take this matter very seriously.”

The Sixers knew Hayes would be at Saturday's game, he said, and were willing to resolve the disagreement between the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player and the columnist. The team leaves Sunday for a three-game road trip with the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.

” READ MORE: Joel Embiid takes aim at critics who question knee injury: 'I've done way too much for this city'

It's common for sports columnists to come out immediately after writing critically about a player, coach or team. Without notice, Embiid held his first media session in about four weeks after practice on Friday – and publicly criticized Hayes' columns.

“When I see people saying, 'He doesn't want to play,'” Embiid said. “…like this guy, he's not here, Marcus, whatever his name is. I've done far too much for this (swearing) city to be treated like this. Done way too much (expletive).

“I wish I was as lucky as others (players who were healthier during their careers). But that doesn’t mean I’m not trying and doing whatever it takes to get out there, and I’ll be here soon enough.”

Embiid, who signed a three-year, $193 million contract extension Last month, he made seven straight All-Star teams and was crowned the 2023 MVP. However, he suffered numerous injuries throughout his career including Meniscus surgery last season plus a bout with Bell's palsy during the playoffs. Embiid then played in the Summer Olympics, helping Team USA win a gold medal, but did not play in any preseason games or participate in any live five-on-five games leading up to the Sixers' home opener on October 23. The Sixers were fined $100,000 on Oct. 29 for “inconsistent” statements about Embiid’s availability.