NEWSLETTER
The 76ers begged Ben Simmons to come back to practice, and now they are begging for him to leave. Be careful what you wish for, I guess?
According to reports, Simmons was kicked out of practice on Tuesday by head coach Doc Rivers. Shortly after being given the boot, the organization handed him a one-game suspension due to conduct detrimental to the team.
Simmons’ reluctance to physically and mentally engage with the Sixers since his return has been a consistent theme, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/bG1Cs2EuZ4
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2021
76ers have suspended Ben Simmons for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2021
What exactly happened:
Sources: Doc Rivers asked Ben Simmons to join a defensive drill today. Simmons refused. Rivers asked again. Simmons said no again.
Rivers then told Simmons he should go home, and Simmons dropped the ball and left.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2021
The Simmons situation reached a boiling point months ago, when the two-time All-Star told the organization he would not return to Philly for training camp as he awaited a trade. Meanwhile, the organization remained adamant about rekindling their broken relationship and making him a member of their roster on opening night. After some time passed and money started to go down the drain, Simmons made a quiet return to Philadelphia.
But while Simmons has been physically present, he has looked nothing short of checked out in the gym. On Monday, reporters caught a glimpse of Simmons at practice in sweatpants with his phone hanging out of his pocket. The 25-year-old could also be seen leaving the court by himself as the entire team met for a post-practice huddle.
Ben Simmons practicing in sweatpants with his phone in his pocket. pic.twitter.com/MEdQLxudcK
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) October 18, 2021
Here’s @BenSimmons25 (in the back) not participating in the post-practice huddle with the @sixers before quickly exiting the floor @6abc @espn @NBATV #sixers #bensimmons pic.twitter.com/2uq7YAu5E1
— Jamie Apody (@JamieApody) October 18, 2021
And his teammates are noticing:
oh dear. pic.twitter.com/hEQnGERwTb
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 19, 2021
“I’m an agent of chaos.” – the Joker – Ben Simmons
Doc Rivers told reports after practice that he found Simmons to be a distraction today but that he would continue to embrace Simmons as part of the time. Will Simmons ever view himself that way again? It’s hard to say.
Rivers: “I’m going to give Ben every chance to be part of the team … as a coach I have to protect the team first.”
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 19, 2021
