Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is under fire after he brought his young son to the post-game press conference immediately following the team’s elimination by the New York Knicks on Monday, May 12, 2026.
As soon as Embiid sat down with his son on his lap, social-media users and several commentators began complaining that allowing children at the podium “should not be allowed.” Critics argued the move distracted from questions about the Sixers’ performance and the center’s role in the defeat.
The NBA does not have an explicit rule against players bringing family members to media sessions, but the league historically encourages teams to keep post-game interviews focused on basketball. Embiid, who scored a team-high in the loss, did not respond publicly to the backlash.
Neither the 76ers nor the NBA has announced any change to interview procedures in the wake of the incident.
Source: New York Post
