PHILADELPHIA — A visibly angry Joel Embiid he allegedly yelled and eventually shoved a Philadelphia newspaper columnist in a post-fight locker room altercation. 76ers lost to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

The NBA quickly said it had opened an investigation into the matter.

Embiid apparently took issue with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, who mentioned the All-Star center’s late brother and his son, both named Arthur, in columns questioning Embiid’s professionalism and his effort to stay out of shape afterward. to play in the Paris Olympic Games. Embiid has yet to play for the 76ers this season.

When reporters entered the locker room to talk to the players, Embiid stood up and faced Hayes.

“Next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you’re going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to have to… live with the consequences,” Embiid told Hayes. .

Embiid continued, with several instances of profanity in the following sentences. Hayes offered an apology, which Embiid declined. “That’s not the fucking first time.” Embiid said.

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Embiid later said he doesn’t care what reporters say. “But you do,” Hayes responded.

Embiid seemed to get louder at that point, and soon after shoved Hayes on the shoulder as the team’s public relations chief stood between them. Another PR person moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outside the locker room, trying to clarify for reporters.

At the same time, a team security official asked the media not to report on what happened. Embiid yelled over the security guard.

“They can do whatever they want,” Embiid said. “I don’t give a damn.”

Embiid had called out Hayes at a news conference after Friday’s practice at the team’s training facility, referring to him as “Marcus, whatever his name is” and questioning critics of his prolonged absence.

Hayes recently wrote a story saying that Embiid disrespects the 76ers and the game, and that the team should consider offering refunds to fans when Embiid doesn’t play.

“I’ve done too much for this… city to be treated like this, I’ve done too… too much,” Embiid said Friday. “I wish I was as lucky as everyone else, but that doesn’t mean I’m not trying and I’m not doing whatever it takes to be there, and I’ll be here very soon.”

Hayes was not at practice Friday. It is still unclear when Embiid will play and the NBA’s investigation will determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.