Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid will be suspended for three games without pay for shoving Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes after Saturday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the NBA announced Tuesday.

"Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA," Joe Dumars, the NBA's executive vice president of basketball operations, said in a statement announcing the suspension. "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."

The suspension will span the 76ers' next three games: Wednesday against the LA Clippers, Friday vs. the Los Angeles Lakers and Sunday vs. the Charlotte Hornets, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. Embiid is set to return and make his season debut next Tuesday in Philadelphia against the New York Knicks in the 76ers' opening game of NBA Cup action.