An NBA spokesperson confirmed that the league is investigating a reported confrontation between Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and a local columnist.

According to an ESPN report, the 2022-2023 MVP approached the Philadelphia researcher‘ is Marcus Hayes about something he wrote.

The offensive passage from Hayes’ column, which has since been removed from online versions after it was first published on October 23, referred to Embiid’s younger brother and son, according to PhillyVoice’s Adam Aaronson.

“Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son Arthur as the major turning point in his basketball career,” Hayes wrote (via Aaronson). “He often says he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who was tragically killed in a car accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er .Well, to be great at your If you have a job, you have to show up for work first. Embiid is great at the exact opposite.”

According to ESPN, Embiid walked toward Hayes in the locker room after last Saturday’s 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He told the columnist that “you’re going to see what I’m going to do with you” when Hayes referred to his brother or son again.

The argument continued and Embiid reportedly “pushed Hayes on the shoulder while the team’s PR chief got between them.” Aaronson added that “Embiid didn’t land or attempt a punch.”

A day before the incident, the seven-time All-Star expressed frustration with the common narrative that he is choosing not to play rather than deal with an ongoing knee problem. He specifically called out Hayes, even though the columnist was not present.

The NBA investigated the matter and ultimately a fine the Sixers $100,000 for public comments from head coach Nick Nurse and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey about Embiid’s health. However, the league discovered that the center is suffering from a legitimate “left knee condition” that prevents him from playing.

The Sixers have started 1-4, with both Embiid and Paul George unavailable. George is expected to make his first appearance Monday night against the Phoenix Suns.