The US election is in full swing, and tensions are high as everyone waits for the results. With all eyes on the election, a sudden move from the NBA could add even more stress. In the middle of this sensitive time, the suspension of 76ers center Joel Embiid has left many of his supporters upset.
The NBA has slammed 76ers center Joel Embiid for three games without pay after a conflict with a reporter. He confronted writer Marcus Hayes, who had criticized him in a column that mentioned his son and late brother. The incident took place in the locker room after the 76ers lost 124-107 to the Memphis Grizzlies on November 2.
After the incident, the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, said in a statement, “Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA. 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.”
The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid for three games for altercation shoving a columnist in a postgame locker room. pic.twitter.com/odkbFwuA0p
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 5, 2024
Embiid, who is still recovering from knee surgery, hasn’t played yet this season. His suspension starts with the next regular-season game for which he is fit to play. 76ers, who are currently 1-5, will play the Los Angeles Clippers on November 6, but Embiid can’t play until November 9 because of the suspension.
Fans react to Joel Embiid’s suspension
Joel Embiid’s absence has clearly hurt the team, as their 1-5 record is now the worst in the NBA. When fans hoped to see him return, this suspension became another major setback for the franchise.
Sixers’ fans have taken to social media to express their thoughts, with many expressing disappointment and frustration over the situation. There is a clear divide among fans, with some supporting Embiid and others questioning the NBA’s decision.
@PrinceJamesFan posted a heartbreaking video with the caption, “Joel Embiid got suspended before playing a single game this season😭.”
Joel Embiid got suspended before playing a single game this season😭
— PrinceJamesJr👑🪐🏀 (@PrinceJamesFan) November 5, 2024
pic.twitter.com/zY3nFWZEqs
User @kdeemoo tweeted, “So the NBA suspends Joel Embiid for only 3 games… I’m confused, like he hurt a reporter, what is the NBA doing smh.”
@ytyeezus shared, “Joel Embiid suspended but they’re not gonna do shit about the reporter using his dead brother and son for clicks @NBA good shit assholes.”
Joel embiid suspended but they’re not gonna do shit about the reporter using his dead brother and son for clicks @NBA good shit assholes
— Oswaldo Cabrera Enjoyer (Go Birds)🇵🇸 (@ytyeezus) November 5, 2024
@jappleby commented on @ShamsCharania’s post, “Worth every game. I hope that journalist is fired. Absolutely ridiculous to even imply Joel is letting down his dead brother.”
Worth every game. I hope that journalist is fired. Absolutely ridiculous to even imply Joel is letting down his dead brother.
— Jack Appleby (@jappleby) November 5, 2024
@LordKadidy said, “Exactly what he wanted. Should make him play 3 games instead.”
Exactly what he wanted. Should make him play 3 games instead.
— Kadidy (@LordKadidy) November 5, 2024
@StephMuse_ questioned, “The reporter shouldn’t have mentioned Embiid’s late brother.”
The reporter shouldn’t have mentioned embiid’s late brother.
— Steph Curry Muse (@StephMuse_) November 5, 2024
@AdamJoseph____ tweeted, “If they really wanted to punish him they should have made him play. He’ll happily sit out.”
