Philly outlet makes decision on reporter involved in Joel Embiid shoving incident
Apr 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during overtime in game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The reporter involved in last week’s shoving incident with Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid apparently will not be going anywhere.
TMZ Sports reports this week that the Philly Inquirer has decided that their columnist Marcus Hayes will remain on the 76ers beat. TMZ also shared a statement from the Philly Inquirer’s Senior Director of Special Projects & Communications, Evan Benn.
“No change,” said Benn of Hayes’ status. “He is an Inquirer columnist who covers Philadelphia sports teams, including the Sixers.”
Hayes was the reporter shoved by Embiid as part of a physical altercation after a 76ers home game against the Memphis Grizzlies (full details here). Embiid was angry about a column written by Hayes in which he referenced his late brother Arthur as well as his young son (who is named after Arthur).
The NBA announced earlier this week that Embiid was being suspended multiple games due to the incident. The former NBA MVP has yet to make his season debut due to a left knee injury but is said to be close to returning for the 1-5 Sixers.
