**Joel Embiid Suspended for Three Games Following Confrontation with Reporter**

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been suspended for three games without pay after an altercation with Marcus Hayes, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, following the team's recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The NBA announced this decision on Tuesday.

"Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA," said Joe Dumars, the NBA's executive vice president of basketball operations, in a statement. Dumars acknowledged that Embiid was upset by the original content of Hayes’ column, which mentioned Embiid's son and late brother, but stressed that physical altercations are unacceptable.

The incident occurred on Saturday night, when Embiid reacted to Hayes’ column that questioned his professionalism and physical fitness, referencing his family personally. After a heated verbal exchange, Embiid pushed Hayes.

Embiid, who has not played this season due to issues with his left knee, is currently on Philadelphia's West Coast road trip. The 76ers began this trip with a close 118-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Monday. According to sources, Embiid stands to lose $1,063,778 during his suspension.

Embiid’s suspension will start once he is cleared to return to play. This could be as early as the upcoming game against the LA Clippers on Wednesday, depending on when Philadelphia releases its injury report. If Embiid is cleared to play, he will miss games against the Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, and a home game against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Consequently, this would push his return to next Tuesday against the New York Knicks.

Should the suspension begin later, his first game back could be next Wednesday, in a home match against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers.