Joel Embiid will not play on Wednesday for the Philadelphia 76ers against the LA Clippers. The former MVP has been suspended by the NBA following an altercation with a reporter. Embiid reportedly confronted and shoved the reporter in reaction to an article that questioned the former MVP’s professionalism.
On Monday, Joe Dumars, the league’s Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, gave the reason for Embiid’s three-game suspension:
“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.”
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The statement added that the suspension “will commence with the next NBA regular-season game for which he is eligible and able to play.”
Joel Embiid, who hasn’t played in the 2024-25 season due to knee soreness, has been given the green light to play. Because of the suspension, he will not play against the Clippers, the LA Lakers on Friday and the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.
Joel Embiid loses over $1M due to three-game suspension
Joel Embiid will not just miss three games, he will also forfeit the money he was supposed to earn during those games. “The Process” is in the books for $51.4 million, per Spotrac. Based on that figure, he will lose roughly $1.7 million in three games.
The suspension marks the first time Embiid has been docked without pay by the NBA.
Embiid expected to make season debut for the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks
Joel Embiid’s debut for the 2024-25 campaign couldn’t be more fitting. After serving his three-game suspension, his first game for the Philadelphia 76ers could be against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Embiid’s last game last season for his team was against their rivals in Game 6 of the first round of the playoffs.
Embiid saw action for 40:18 minutes despite being hobbled by his troublesome left knee. He finished the game with a team-high 39 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal. “The Process” will face a retooled team that sent them on vacation in May.
The Knicks faithful, which considers Embiid a villain, is expected to give the All-Star center a rowdy and raucous welcome.
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