Joel Embiid’s 3-game suspension expected, but not necessarily deserved

The NBA hit Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid with a three-game suspension for his involvement in a locker room altercation with a media member following Philadelphia's recent 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Embiid was unhappy with the personal nature of a recent article published by said media member, and he expressed his [understandable] frustration with a shove.

(It's worth wondering why that reporter was even allowed in the Sixers locker room given the circumstances, but that's another story).

The league had to suspend Embiid. It was obviously coming. They can't have the precedent set that players can touch media members if they disagree with something said or written.But, just because the suspension was obvious, doesn't mean that it was deserved.

As a journalist, you know not to unnecessarily invoke the names of a player's family. Keep the criticism to between the lines. That's 101 stuff. That line was crossed, so Embiid decided to cross another line. Sure, there were consequences, but there should also be consequences for what one writes. In this case, the consequences were a very well-publicized shove, and the ire of the internet. Is that enough? That depends on who you ask.

Several players have spoken up in Embiid's defense since the incident.

"When (a reporter) writes an article like that and you bring family into it, especially deceased family... you cross a line," former Sixers guard Lou Williams said of the situation. " ... I don't promote violence, but every once in a while, you need some straightening."

Former Sixers guard and Slam Dunk Champion Jason Richardson also had Embiid's back.

Even the official statement from the NBA's Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars made it seem like the league understood, and even commiserated, with the star center.

“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” Dumars said.  “While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter’s column, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”

To me, that reads like: "Well we had to do something, so here's a slap on the wrist."

The suspension certainly could have been steeper. Instead, Embiid will be back in a week. Hopefully at that point the Sixers will be able to put the circus that has been the start of the season behind them and start to focus on winning some games.

Follow Michael Kaskey-Blomain on X @therealmikekb.