Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid found himself in a heated altercation with a reporter following a 124-107 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The incident occurred after Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes approached Embiid and brought up sensitive topics regarding his deceased son and brother.
Embiid's son, who was born in 2020, tragically passed away, along with his brother Arthur, who died in a car accident in 2014.
The NBA has announced it will launch an investigation into the incident.
As reporters entered the locker room after the game, Embiid confronted Hayes, reportedly stating, “The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son, you are going to see what I'm going to do to you, and I'm going to have to live with the consequences.”
When Hayes attempted to apologise, Embiid's anger escalated, responding, “That's not the f**king first time.”
The situation intensified as Embiid shoved Hayes before the 76ers' public relations head intervened.
Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on social media, saying, “Oh boy, people will remember the Sixers' season for all the wrong reasons. The team just dropped to 1-4, and Joel Embiid assaulted a reporter in the locker room.”
ESPN reporter Shams Charania clarified that while Embiid did shove Hayes, no punches were thrown.
Hayes had recently written a column suggesting that Embiid owed it to the team to ensure he was fit to play more consistently.
He highlighted how Embiid often references the birth of his son, Arthur, as a pivotal moment in his career and the desire to leave a legacy for him, given the circumstances surrounding his brother's death.
In the article, Hayes noted, “In order to be great at your job, you first have to show up for work. Embiid has been great at just the opposite.”
Over his career, Embiid has struggled with injuries, playing only 39 games last season and averaging just over 54 games per season since joining the league.
Despite signing a lucrative three-year, $193 million ($A283m) extension that runs through the 2028-29 season, his availability remains a concern.
Commentators have weighed in on the incident, with ESPN Australia's Steve Smith noting, “It's not hard to see why Joel was upset. Criticise his performances and his availability or lack thereof, but this absolutely crossed the line.”
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic added, “Don't bring up a dude's family to take a shot at him for being hurt.”
PHLY Sports reporter Kyle Neubeck provided further insight into the confrontation, which reportedly lasted “two to three minutes.”
He explained that once Embiid noticed Hayes in the locker room, a heated verbal exchange ensued, surrounding Hayes' comments about Embiid's family.
“At some point, Joel shoved him, team security stepped in, players surrounded the situation, and then everyone sort of dispersed,” Neubeck said.
The day before the incident, Embiid expressed his frustration in a press conference, stating, “I've done way too much for this city to be treated like this.
"I wish I was as lucky as others, but that doesn't mean that I'm not trying and I'm not doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I'm gonna be here pretty soon.”