Joel Embiid calls out reporter for suggesting 76ers should refund fans for former MVP skipping games
Former MVP Joel Embiid wasn't happy with local reporter Marcus Hayes suggesting that if he's going to miss at least seven home games, the franchise should refund fans. This week, the Philadelphia 76ers were hit with a $100,000 fine from the NBA for violating the Player Participation Policy.
While the league determined that the 76ers didn't violate the policy by having Embiid sit games, the investigation concluded that they violated the policy with their public statements on his status. Specifically, comments made by coach Nick Nurse and President Daryl Morey were allegedly "inconsistent" with his status.
So far, Embiid missed the 76ers' home opener last week and a home game against the Detroit Pistons this week. In addition, the former MVP is expected to miss another five games this season as part of his decision to sit back-to-backs.
Because of that, Marcus Hayes thinks the team should refund season ticket holders. While speaking with media members on Friday, Joel Embiid fired back:
"From what I can tell you...I have broken my face twice, I came back early with the risk of losing my vision. I had broken fingers, I still came back. ... When I see people saying, 'He doesn't want to play,' I've done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that.
"I do think it's bulls--- ... I've done way too much for this f------ city to be treated like this."
"They are making progress" - 76ers' coach Nick Nurse on Joel Embiid and Paul George's health
This offseason, before Joel Embiid was competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics with Team USA, the Philadelphia 76ers signed Paul George in free agency.
The move was significant for a 76ers franchise that has been eager to make a deep postseason run. However, both Paul George and Joel Embiid haven't played in the 2024-25 regular season.
George is dealing with a left knee bone bruise sustained in the preseason, while Joel Embiid has been dealing with left knee problems. While the league's investigation concluded that Embiid has been hurt, it's unclear what happened between the Olympics and now to cause his absence.
In the meantime, while fans have been eagerly awaiting a chance to see the duo compete alongside one another, it's unclear when they will both be back in action.
Earlier this week, coach Nick Nurse spoke with media members about the situation, saying that the duo is practicing, and the team will know more on Friday (today):
"Listen, our guys are working out. They are making progress. They are gonna have workouts tomorrow, Friday. We hope to have a better indication of where they are by then. Here’s what I’m anticipating. I’m anticipating to get a much clearer idea on Friday.
"Again, they’ve been on the court. They’re improving. We got some practice time in between some games here fortunately and we hope to have a really good read by Friday whether or not they’ll be able to be available for Saturday or for the West Coast or whatever."
So far, there has been no further update on either player's return.