PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A visibly angry Joel Embiid yelled at and eventually shoved a Philadelphia newspaper columnist in a locker room altercation The struggling 76ers lost to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday evening.

The NBA quickly said it had opened an investigation into the matter.

Embiid disagreed with Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, who mentioned the All-Star center's late brother and his son – both named Arthur – in columns questioning Embiid's professionalism and effort after attending was out of shape at the Olympic Games in Paris. Embiid still needs to be played for the 76ers this season.

As reporters entered the locker room to speak with the players, Embiid stood up and confronted Hayes.

“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'm going to have to… live with the consequences,” Embiid told Hayes.

Embiid continued, with several instances of profanity appearing in the next few sentences. Hayes apologized, but Embiid didn't want to. “This isn’t the first time,” Embiid said.

Embiid later said he doesn't care what reporters say. “But you do,” Hayes replied.

Embiid seemed to get louder at that point and soon squeezed Hayes on the shoulder while the team's public relations director stepped between them. Another PR person moved Tyrese Maxey's interview to the hallway outside the locker room to deny reporters access.

At the same time, a team security official asked the media not to report the incident. Embiid yelled at the security guard.

“They can do whatever they want,” Embiid said. “I’m not giving in –.”

Embiid had confronted Hayes in a post-practice press conference at the team's training facility on Friday, referring to him as “Marcus, whatever his name is” and questioning critics about his extended absence.

Hayes recently wrote a story saying that Embiid doesn't respect the 76ers and the game and that the team should consider giving fans refunds if Embiid doesn't play.

“I have done way too much for this… city to be treated like this, done way too… much,” Embiid said Friday. “I wish I was as lucky as the others, but that doesn't mean I'm not trying and doing whatever it takes to get out there and I'll be here soon.”

Hayes did not attend practice on Friday. It remains unclear when Embiid will play, and the NBA investigation will determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.

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