Doc Rivers kicked Ben Simmons out of Philadelphia 76ers practice on Tuesday morning. Shortly thereafter, the team announced he would be suspended for the first game of the season due to conduct detrimental to the team.
Sixers coach Doc Rivers threw Ben Simmons out of practice today and the suspension came shortly thereafter, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2021
For anyone who has been following the ongoing soap opera between Simmons and the Sixers, none of these developments should come as a surprise.
Simmons begrudgingly returned to the team last week after maintaining for months that he would not do so. The reason he ultimately relented is because the organization opted to put significant financial pressure on him.
Given that he was returning under coercion, Simmons was doomed to fail. The savage comment Danny Green made about his comeback, in hindsight, was telling.
Tuesday’s specific blow-up was a result of Simmons’ general disinterest in genuinely being a member of the Sixers.
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
Simmons was tossed early in practice, essentially for a refusal to participate in the next stage of the session, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/wq2hN07lny
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 19, 2021
This video from Monday’s practice session is telling when it comes to Simmons’ level of commitment to giving it his all in Philly:
Ben Simmons day 2 of practice
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 18, 2021
So where do all parties go from here? Well, the Los Angeles Clippers are currently in the running for a blockbuster trade that would see Simmons land in LA. But if that deal fails to materialize – things are going to get a lot more awkward form here.
Ronda Rousey’s personal photo goes viral. https://t.co/0hV1oXfhqR
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 19, 2021
Related: Damian Lillard To Demand A Trade If Blazers Get Off To Bad Start?
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
