Joel Embiid has been suspended for three games by the NBA after reviewing the star center’s altercation with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes when reporters entered the 76ers locker room after Philadelphia’s 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Joe Dumars, the Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations for the NBA, released a statement Tuesday explaining why Embiid was suspended three games without pay. In particular, Dumars noted how the relationship between players and media has to be respected, but any confrontations should not turn physical.

“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” Dumars’ statement began. “While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter’s column, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”

• Joel Embiid sensitivity brought into question after allegedly shoving columnist
• Joel Embiid allegedly shoves journalist after dead brother mentioned in column

The incident in question occurred after the 76ers’ aforementioned loss to the Grizzlies. As reporters were filing into Philadelphia’s locker room, Embiid confronted Hayes, with the 7-foot center exchanging words with the columnist after the latter referenced Embiid’s late brother along with the star’s young son in a column criticizing his struggles to stay on the court.

“The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to have to … live with the consequences,” Embiid allegedly told Hayes upon their meeting. Hayes reportedly attempted to apologize to Embiid for the article but it is claimed the 30-year-old rejected the apology.

The two reportedly argued, with Embiid ultimately shoving Hayes, which led to the suspension. Before his suspension, Embiid spoke to reporters and expressed his frustration with how he is being criticized for missing games to tend to various injuries, specifically calling out Hayes.

“When I see people say ‘He does not want to play,’ I’ve done too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that,” Embiid said. The star also called out Hayes for his constant criticism of his lack of availability since being drafted by the 76ers in the 2014 NBA Draft.

“I do think this is bull—-,” he continued. “Like that dude, he’s not here, Marcus, I’ve done way too much for this ——- city to be treated like this. Done way too —— much. I wish I was as lucky as the other ones, but that does not mean I’m not doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I’m gonna be.”

Since the incident, the outlet has edited the piece to remove any references to Embiid’s brother. Additionally, Hayes posted an apology on X after his initial article received backlash from those who have read it.

“So, I rewrote the lede to my column and replaced the picture,” Hayes’ post began. “I can see why so many people were upset about it. Sorry about that. Thanks for all the constructive criticism.”

Embiid’s suspension will commence when he can take the court again. The 76ers will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday and if Embiid is healthy enough for the matchup, that will be the first game of the suspension.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, has struggled mightily to replicate Embiid’s production. The 76ers are 1-5 so far this season, though Paul George’s return to form will provide a healthy boost to the floundering squad.