Ex-NFL star begs Joel Embiid to ‘stop being a b****’

In the New York Knicks’ 137-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid took a big shot to his midsection courtesy of Mikal Bridges while setting a screen for Tyrese Maxey. Embiid immediately favored the area, and addressed the incident in comments to the media on Tuesday.

"I don't know if it was dirty or not…I don't think that was necessary. It was after the play. It's whatever, it's playoff basketball. If that's the reality of it, I guess we've got to go out and be physical too."

Joel Embiid on Mikal Bridges contacting his midsection: pic.twitter.com/X8AZUwgq73

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 5, 2026

“I don’t know if it was dirty or not…I don’t think that was necessary. It was after the play. It’s whatever, it’s playoff basketball. If that’s the reality of it, I guess we’ve got to go out and be physical too.”

Embiid recently had emergency appendectomy surgery, following his diagnosis of appendicitis. Embiid made mention of protecting the vulnerable area during his recovery.

“I guess I got to do a better job of protecting my [stomach].”

Joel Embiid’s comments drew the ire of former New York Giant turned WFAN radio host Tiki Barber on Tuesday afternoon. On the latest edition of Evan and Tiki, Barber had some choice words for Embiid.

“If it’s gonna hurt, to physically be hurt, and someone might run into you, accidentally or otherwise, don’t play. Remember when I had a broken arm in 2000? I had to tape my other arm because they were literally stepping on it, knowing I had a broken arm. I didn’t complain about it. It’s part of the risk of playing hurt. So, stop being a b****.”

Barber added during his rant, “Because you’ve been an elite athlete for a long time. You play hurt. You have to. Especially when it means something to you.”

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