CNN
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The National Basketball Association is investigating reports that Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid “shoved” a columnist following the team’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

A visibly angry Embiid confronted Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes as reporters entered the Sixers locker room, according to the Associated Press.

Hayes had published a column on October 23 criticizing Embiid for not being prepared for the season. In the column, Hayes referenced Embiid’s late brother Arthur and his 4-year-old son.

“The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you’ll see what I’m going to do to you and I’ll have to live with the consequences,” Embiid told Hayes. the AP.

Embiid reportedly continued to talk to Hayes, who eventually apologized to the 76ers center. However, Embiid refused Hayes’ attempts to make amends.

After saying he doesn’t care what reporters say, Hayes interrupted with, “But you do.” making Embiid louder. Embiid then pushed Hayes on the shoulder and the team’s PR chief got between them, AP reported.

An NBA spokesperson told CNN that the league has launched an investigation into the incident. “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are launching an investigation,” the spokesperson said.

CNN reached out to the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid’s agent and the Philadelphia Inquirer, but did not immediately hear back.

Hayes brought up Embiid’s late brother and son in his column while questioning the player’s professionalism.

“Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son Arthur as the major turning point in his career. He often says he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in a car accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er,” Hayes wrote .

“Well, to be good at your job, you first have to show up for work. Embiid was great at the exact opposite. Now in his 11th season, he is consistently in poor shape,” Hayes continued. “This poor condition appears to have delayed his debut this season.”

On Friday, Embiid fired back at recent criticism of his absence, specifically mentioning Hayes.

“When I see people saying ‘he doesn’t want to play’, I’ve done way too much for this city and I run the risk of people saying that. I really think this is bullshit,” Embiid said.

“Like that guy, he’s not here, Marcus. I’ve done way too much to let this damn royal city be treated like this. Done way too much. I wish I was as lucky as the others, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do whatever it takes to be there, which I will be.

The 76ers were fined $100,000 by the NBA on Friday for public statements made by team president Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse that were inconsistent with his health status and violated league rules.

In September, Embiid signed a three-year contract extension with the 76ers worth a reported $192.9 million, a source familiar with the contract figures told CNN. He hasn’t played a game this season and the team is 1-4 after Saturday night’s loss as they continue to play with Embiid and offseason addition Paul George.