Joel Embiid confronted a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Saturday night about a recent article criticizing the Star Center’s desire to “show up for work” referencing Embiid’s late brother and young son.

Embiid, who missed the Sixers’ first five games for a “Left knee injury management” designationreached out to the Inquirer’s Marcus Hayes after the team’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Shortly after reporters entered the locker room to be available to the media after the game, Embiid approached Hayes and the two had a brief exchange. Hayes asked if he could apologize to Embiid, who declined. The exchange quickly escalated and Embiid shoved Hayes before being separated.

ESPN’s Shams Charania He reported that the NBA is investigating the incident.

Hayes had previously apologized in X for his October 23 column. The Inquirer removed references to Embiid’s late brother and son, both named Arthur.

In 2014, Embiid’s brother was hit by a truck in Cameroon and He died at 13 years old.

Embiid started the “Arthur Memorial Initiative” in 2022pledging to award $1 million to Philadelphia-area nonprofits. This summer he organized a street party for approximately 200 children from those organizations.

“It’s still hard to think about the whole thing,” Embiid said on Sept. 27. “He is one of the reasons I am doing this. He is someone who cared about everyone. It’s funny, all the stories I heard, because I hadn’t been here since I left Cameroon, and coming back after he died, all the stories I heard… just someone who cared about everyone and was always giving back.”

Embiid had called Hayes on Friday during a Press conference about his left knee and his return to play process. Hayes was not present Friday.

“When I see people saying they don’t want to play… I’ve been through too much,” Embiid said. “I’ve done too much for this city and put myself at risk for people to say that, so I think it’s nonsense. Like that guy… he’s not here, Marcus, whatever his name is. I’ve done too much for this damn city to be treated like this. I have done too much.

“Like I said, I wish I was as lucky as other (players), but that doesn’t mean I’m not trying and I’m not doing whatever it takes to be there, which I’m going to be. here very soon.”

The Sixers (1-4) will begin a three-game road trip Monday night against the Suns. Embiid said Friday that “everything is on track” with his health, but did not predict a specific date for his return.