The long-standing saga between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers has a new chapter inscribed following an ugly turn of events. It seemed like things were smoothened out between the two parties after Simmons’ arrival back into the city ahead of the season. However, the Australian player has been issued a suspension due to his antics at the practice session.
Simmons was slated to talk to the media after the practice, but he did not turn up after he was thrown out of practice by coach Doc Rivers. As a result, he has been issued a “one-game” ban by the 76ers. This means that he will not be part of the 76ers’ season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The franchise issued a brief statement regarding this matter, but the reason behind his suspension, or rather why he was thrown out of the practice session is yet to be clearly known. The statement read:
“Ben Simmons has been suspended for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. As a result, Simmons will miss the 76ers’ opener at New Orleans tomorrow night”
Doc Rivers comments on Simmons’ suspension
The veteran coach was asked further details about the former Rookie Of The Year’s issues with the franchise, which has now led to a suspension. He said: “He didn’t want to do what everyone else is doing.” Rivers also downplayed the incident as no big deal.
Sources claim that the guard refused to do defensive drills with the team despite Rivers asking him twice. The coach ultimately lost patience and asked Simmons to leave practice and go home.
Simmons’ teammate and 76ers’ main-man Joel Embiid also did not have any kind words in offer. Embiid claimed that he is now done with the point guard entirely now. It was earlier reported that Simmons did not acknowledge the calls of Embiid or the rest of the teammates during the off-season following their exit in the Eastern Conference semi-finals against Atlanta Hawks.
“At this point, I don’t care about that man. I’d be willing to babysit if someone wants to listen, but that’s not my job”
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