The NBA says it is investigating an alleged physical altercation between Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and a reporter.
Embiid confronted the reporter in Philadelphia’s locker room with an article that referenced his son and deceased brother, and criticized his fitness and professionalism.
The seven-time NBA All-Star and 2023 Most Valuable Player has yet to play this season due to a knee issue.
The incident occurred after the 76ers’ 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
“The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son, you’re going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to live with the consequences,” Embiid reportedly said.
As the altercation continued, Embiid, 30, allegedly shoved the reporter on the shoulder before a Sixers official stepped between the two.
Embiid had mentioned the article in question during a news conference on Friday.
“When I hear people say, ‘He doesn’t want to play,’ I’ve done way too much for this city, put myself in harm’s way, for people to say that,” he said.
In a statement, the NBA said: “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers’ locker room tonight and we are investigating.”
Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations for the Sixers, told ESPN the club has also launched an investigation and is taking the situation “very seriously.”