Philadelphia’s Cameroonian-American pivot Joel EmbiidMVP in 2023, has been suspended three games for “shoving” a journalist, the NBA announced on Tuesday. Embiid had jostled a Philadelphia Inquirer reporter in the locker room on Saturday, who had recently written an editorial critical of him, referring to the 30-year-old pivot’s son and late brother, in a piece lamenting the player’s absences from the game.

An Olympic gold medalist with the USA this summer, Embiid, whose career has been peppered with injuries, missed the 76ers’ first six games, citing problems with his left knee, from which he underwent surgery in February. “While we understand that Joel may have been offended by the personal nature of the first version of the reporter’s editorial, interactions must remain professional on both sides and never become physical.” commented NBA Vice President Joe Dumars quoted in the release.

The NBA clarifies that Embiid’s suspension will begin at the next regular-season game for which he will be “available and ready to play”and that he will not receive any salary during his suspension. Strengthened this summer by the arrival of Paul George, Philadelphia has had a difficult start to the season, with 5 losses and just one win.