Joel Embiid, Marcus Hayes, & the Growing Divide Between Reporters & the Athletes They Cover

Crossed lines, click obsession, and a growing hostility between scribe and subject that isn’t going away

The relationship between reporters and athletes has long been a delicate balance. Players know that speaking to the media is a part of the package that comes with being a professional athlete. Reporters are constantly trying to get quotes from players to make a story, all while those players have no desire to be part of a headline.

It is a constant push and pull dynamic that often leads to fruitful relationships between reporters and players. There is often a line that reporters don’t cross, and athletes know won’t be crossed. That line is mentioning family and children in articles, blogs, or podcasts. Recently, this line was crossed by Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Marcus Hayes in his coverage of Joel Embiid.

In using the death of Embiid’s brother Arthur (who he named his son after) to make a comment about his lack of availability to start this season, Hayes struck below the belt. Unsurprisingly, this resulted in a physical incident where Embiid shoved Hayes and was subsequently suspended for three games.

This incident might feel like a one-off situation. But it is indicative of a disconnect that exists…