Joel Embiid’s recent three-game suspension has stirred controversy, with NBA analyst Gilbert Arenas leading the charge against what he calls an “unfair” decision.
The suspension, handed down by the NBA following a heated altercation between Embiid and Philadelphia Inquirer journalist Marcus Hayes, has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Arenas, who voiced his concerns on his podcast, Gil’s Arena.
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Arenas baffled by NBA suspension on Embiid
The incident, which occurred last Saturday, saw Embiid push Hayes after the reporter mentioned the loss of the MVP’s late brother and son in a column that Embiid deemed personal and offensive.
The altercation, which escalated to a physical confrontation, resulted in the NBA’s decision to suspend Embiid for three games.
The league’s head of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, stated that the suspension was a result of the “physical nature” of the interaction, emphasizing that mutual respect must always be maintained between players and the media.
However, Arenas believes the punishment is too harsh and unfair, particularly in light of the financial repercussions for the 76ers star.
“There’s going to be three games where I’m healthy and I’m getting my check back,”Arenas said, highlighting that Embiid stands to lose over $1 million due to the suspension.
“It’s unfair that he’s losing that money because of something that’s not completely his fault,” he added, referencing the provocative nature of Hayes’ column.
Arenas: 76ers could have prevented Embiid’s suspension
Arenas’ biggest frustration, however, lies not with the league but with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He argues that the team could have handled the situation internally before the NBA stepped in.
“Once I [ownership] penalize him, you [NBA] can’t come in now. You can’t do nothing,” Arenas said, suggesting that the 76ers should have disciplined Embiid in-house, thus avoiding league intervention.
He believes this approach would have spared Embiid the suspension and kept him on the court.
Former NBA player Kenyon Martin echoed Arenas’ sentiment, blaming the 76ers for failing to act ahead of the altercation.
Martin pointed out that Embiid had already expressed his frustration with Hayes the day before, during a press conference, and that the front office should have anticipated the potential for conflict.
“He should not have had a media pass for Saturday,” Martin asserted, arguing that the team’s failure to intervene led directly to the incident.
As a result of the suspension, the 76ers will face their upcoming opponents-the Clippers, Lakers, and Hornets-without their franchise player.
With the team already struggling early in the season, losing five of their first eight games, Embiid’s absence only adds to their challenges.
The 76ers will now look to regroup and wait until November 12th, when Embiid is set to return against the New York Knicks for the in-season tournament opener.
