A former Sixer steps up and defends Joel Embiid. The big man and his physical altercation with the Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes have taken over the NBA headlines in the last two days. At the same time, many criticized the former MVP’s violent act, and some even justified Hayes’ controversial take on the hooper’s legacy, involving his son and deceased brother. Amid this situation, Lou Williams broke the front door and barged in with stern support for Philly’s big man.

The news outlet had removed the controversial versions of the piece they initially published on October 23. The chain of events was re-ignited when Joel Embiid approached Marcus Hayes about the controversial piece he wrote. The confrontation turned into a physical altercation and the big man allegedly ended up shoving the columnist.

The news spread like wildfire, and the odds were turning against Joel Embiid. Notably, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe justified Haynes’ words, saying, “Sports is about stories.” Bleacher Report confirmed that the league has begun its investigation on the issue and many suspect the league to slap a suspension on the already injury-riddled big man. Amid this situation, Lou Williams, featuring on the Run it Back show, not only reclaimed Embiid’s legacy but also slammed the journalist for involving the family.

“I don’t promote violence, but every once in a while, you need some straightening. You can hide behind your laptop or whatever and say some of these things,” Williams further accused fans, saying their outright critical view of the hooper has prompted journalists and given them the license to write controversial statements, thinking they’ll “run with it.”

Moreover, speaking of Joel Embiid’s legacy, Lou Williams added, “That man came from nothing. He’s been able to build a career. He’s gonna create generational wealth for his son. He’s gonna be able to dedicate and donate things on behalf of his brother and in his brother’s name, he’s already created a legacy.”

It’s indeed a thumping statement! Will this have any effect on the league’s decision, though?

Will the NBA suspend Joel Embiid?

Well, we have witnessed quite a few decisions from the league in response to physical altercations in the recent past. Draymond Green faced an indefinite suspension after his violent act against Jusuf Nurkić. It’s important to note that the NBA came to this decision, stating that Dray had repeatedly engaged in violent acts, also directing him to undergo therapy sessions before returning to the court.

However, in Embiid’s case, even though he doesn’t have a history of physical altercation like Green had, he has paid several fines in the past. Especially for showing an obscene gesture during the game. So, we don’t really know if this would have a role in the NBA’s decision.

Nevertheless, if the league considers taking Marcus Hayes’ original report into account, they might go easy on the suspension, after this columnist’s unexpected personal opinion.

Marcus Hayes had written: “Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son, Arthur, as the major inflection point in his basketball career… He often says that he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died… Well, in order to be great at your job, you first have to show up for work. Embiid has been great at just the opposite.” 

Instead of pointing out Joel Embiid’s injury woes directly, the reporter included an emotional family angle to it. Even though any violent act can’t be justified, the hooper had all the right to get upset with the columnist.

Chandler Parsons, another player who’s been through similar experiences with the media, explained, “As a father, if you talk about my children or as a brother if you talk about my brother in any sort of negative way I am going to take offense to that because at the end of day, I am just a normal human being and I feel you are attacking me and my character… I am fully with Joel Embiid on this. I think it was b——t. I think it’s uncalled for. I think columnists now are more clickbaity than ever before.”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.