An NBA spokesperson confirmed that the league is investigating a confrontation between Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and a local columnist.

According to a ESPN Reportthe 2022-23 MVP approached the Philadelphia researcher‘s Marcus Hayes about something he wrote.

The offending passage in Hayes’ column, which has since been removed from online versions after its initial publication on Oct. 23, referenced Embiid’s younger brother and son, according to Adam Aaronson from PhiladelphiaVoice.

“Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son, Arthur, as the major turning point in his basketball career,” Hayes wrote (via Aaronson). “He often says that he wants to be great to leave a legacy to the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in a car accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er. Well, to be great in your “To work , first you have to show up for work. Embiid has been excellent in the complete opposite.”

According to ESPN, Embiid walked toward Hayes in the locker room after last Saturday’s 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He told the columnist that “you’re going to see what I’m going to do to you” if Hayes makes reference to his brother or son again.

The argument continued and Embiid reportedly “poked Hayes on the shoulder while the team’s public relations chief stood between them.” Aaronson added that “Embiid did not make or attempt any hits.”

A day before the incident, the seven-time All-Star expressed frustration with the general narrative that he chose not to play rather than deal with a lingering knee issue. He specifically called out Hayes, although the columnist was not present.

The NBA investigated the matter and finally fined the Sixers $100,000 for public comments made by head coach Nick Nurse and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey regarding Embiid’s health. However, the league discovered that the center suffers from a legitimate “left knee condition” that prevents him from playing.

The Sixers are off to a 1-4 start with Embiid and Paul George unavailable. Jorge is is expected to do his first appearance Monday night against the Phoenix Suns.