The fines the Sixers have imposed on Ben Simmons this season have now exceeded $19MM, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. Simmons, who is docked $360K+ for each game he misses, shows up for shootarounds and film sessions to avoid accumulating additional fines, but doesn’t usually stay long and is disengaged (though not disruptive) during those activities, Shelburne writes.
While there’s a belief that Simmons could eventually recoup a chunk of his lost money via arbitration, that’s not a certainty. According to Shelburne, the 25-year-old is upset that he’s being fined so heavily after explaining to the team that he’s dealing with mental health issues, but is willing to take the financial hit.
“We don’t give a f–k about the money,” a source close to Simmons told ESPN. “That’s not what this is. It’s hard for people to understand. But if you believe in what you’re doing and that this is not the right situation for you, and you’re trying to get to a better place, the money doesn’t matter. Obviously it’s a financial hit. But you adjust.”
“It’s easy to tell when someone is hurt when they have a cast on their arm,” another source said to Shelburne. “But this is mental health. You can’t always see it. But ask yourself, how many people would lose a dollar over this? That should tell you everything.”
Despite not playing since last spring, Simmons is believed to be in great physical condition, according to Shelburne, but he continues to tell the team and his reps that he’s not mentally ready to get back on the court again and doesn’t want to play for the 76ers ever again.
Shelburne’s deep dive into the Simmons/Sixers standoff is worth checking out in full, but here are a few more highlights from the story:
- When Simmons agreed to fly to Philadelphia and report to the Sixers during the preseason, he considered it a “grand gesture of good faith,” per Shelburne, but the team viewed it as the least he could do, given that he’s under contract for four years. The return didn’t go well, according to Shelburne, who says Simmons was offended he was still fined for the team’s final preseason game despite rushing to arrive at the arena prior to tipoff.
- Sources close to Simmons tell Shelburne that the three-time All-Star was upset that Joel Embiid seemed to blame him for last season’s playoff loss when Simmons didn’t blame Embiid for his “poor showing” in the 2019 postseason against Toronto. If that’s how Simmons truly feels, it’s a bizarre stance — Embiid battled an illness during that ’19 series, but the Sixers had a +18.6 net rating during his 237 minutes, compared to a -52.5 mark in the 99 minutes he didn’t play.
- Simmons was also frustrated that Sixers coach Doc Rivers didn’t visit him when he was training in Los Angeles last summer, even though he admits he didn’t reply when Rivers “called him several times over the summer asking to see him,” Shelburne writes. As Shelburne explains, Simmons still feels that Rivers could’ve done more, like having shown up at the gym where he was known to be training.
- Simmons wasn’t vaccinated when he first began reporting to the Sixers’ training facility in the fall, but has since been vaccinated, says Shelburne. The Defensive Player of the Year runner-up has gone back and forth between working out at the 76ers’ facility and at other gyms — he doesn’t necessarily want to be around the team more than he has to, but also doesn’t want it to turn into a circus when word gets out that he’s at more public facilities.
- Some people within the organization believe that if Simmons – who still watches every Sixers game – did decide to suit up for the club again, his return wouldn’t be as bad as he’s imagined, Shelburne writes. “He’d get booed for a few games, but if he played well everyone would get over it,” one team source said to ESPN. “The fans booed Joel and Tobias [Harris] too, and they both got through it.” Others disagree, however. “It’s too far gone with both the fans and how he feels about the organization,” another team source said.
- The Sixers and Simmons’ camp intend to meet again if a trade doesn’t occur by the February 10 deadline, according to Shelburne.
Rivers calls him numerous times because he wants to see Simmons, but Simmons doesn’t call him back. Yet Simmons expects Rivers to “show up” where he is training.
If Simmons is trying to prove he actually is kinda crazy, he is doing a good job.
That paragraph just screams out crazy and misguided.
Adam silver needs to say something
Delusional asking price to trade Simmons has been a huge problem
Simmons is not worth 30% of asking price from Warriors
Kuminga value is as high as Simmons now
Wiggins value continues going up
Silver should dictate to the Sixers what to do and what to ask for the petulant child. Get outta here.
Silver shouldn’t do anything except tell both sides to end this, get the trade done morey and shut up Ben upset the coach didn’t surprise you at the gym what kind of little kid ish is that, I wouldn’t want that child on my team if Philly gave me 4 first rounders and tyrese maxey
That’s the type of BS a person you are dating in a toxic relationship does. Simmons needs to man up this is the NBA he is being paid tens of millions to act like an adult.
The money has nothing to do with it. Money really isn’t everything. To someone who makes millions of dollars annually, millions isn’t a big a deal as the 99% make it out to be.
money ain’t everything but it darn is something.
It’s not about millions. It’s about if you make serious money at an adult job there is a bare minimum level of maturity everyone needs. Ben isn’t 15 years old working his first job making pizzas. It is insane to me someone can think you are allowed to collect pay and choose to not do your job at all over high school drama stuff.
I do see his point though. If Ben is known to be working out at a particular facility, and you can’t get a hold of him, wouldn’t it be prudent to make the effort to show up at the gym? It could’ve made a difference, as Ben has alluded to himself. Point is, Philadelphia has handled this situation less than ideally. There are many times the organization could’ve done a little more, gone the extra mile, or not have been as harsh to Ben. But they chose to remain rigid, and are reaping the consequences of that approach. I think there’s a good chance he would be playing for the team right now if certain extra efforts were made. Ben is obviously a sensitive guy and does need a little coddling. Philadelphia has done a poor job of managing its assets. I know the typical person will read this article and say hey, who does Ben think he is, but I actually see Ben’s point of view here.
It’s two way street
Simmons is one way
….
So is Philadelphia, to be be honest. I think it’s fair to say that BOTH sides coukd have made extra efforts. The thing is though, the honus should be more on the team more than the player. The team is the owner, and the player the asset. Asset management 101 and Philadelphia managed theirs less than ideally.
The article says Rivers called Ben several times trying to meet up and Ben never called him back. With Ben being so sensitive, I would argue that showing up to the gym unannounced would have a negative impact on the situation. Ben is being completely irrational. Doc and Joel didn’t say anything so terrible that warrants this behavior.
Simmons needs to honor his contract friend then request a trade if the Sixers see fit.
Wouldn’t it be prudent for Simmons to answer the phone? Fact is – Doc tried, Simmons didn’t. In fact, Simmons actively avoided.
Ignoring phone calls then complaining someone didn’t try harder, is the definition of entitlement.
Wasn’t he at a point where he was standoffish with the team over the summer? Not wanting to meet with anyone? If Doc shows up at the gym uninvited, it’s harassment. I get it’s the NBA, but blowing off a supervisor is still blowing off a supervisor.
I agree with how the organization is handling this. If you don’t play, you get fined. You want to only go thru personal doctors and not communicate with the team doctor’s fine. You are mad the team hasn’t traded you, yet you de-value yourself consistently. You really want to get traded? Show up in shape and out working everyone there. Out work everyone in a game. It’d be smarter to take the skipping media responsibility fines than what he’s doing.
It’s not crazy, or misguided. It’s about a 25 year old who was pampered his entire life and got whatever he wanted, wherever he went. He probably wouldn’t even have played for the 76ers if Brett Brown wasn’t the coach at the time. Brown and the Simmons family have been close for most of Ben’s life, and he let Ben do whatever he wanted (or didn’t want) to do here. Made him the PG despite Ben never playing PG and inability to hit a Jumper(or attempt one), or Free Throws. After the game, Doc did not answer a question by saying “Ben is out PG next year. Joel didn’t blame him for anything, he said it was a team loss, although when Ben was criticized, he brought Joel’s previous playoff appearance play into it(where he was still outstanding, but missed a game or 2 with the flu, and a played through a partially torn MCL.
Ben doesn’t have mental health issues, he has “Not the superstar on his own team” syndrome. He doesn’t “care” about the money, because he still had plenty of it.
exactly what I thought when I saw that
Mental illness, my ass. What kind of mental illness is magically cured by a trade to another team? Ben Simmons is a fraud. And no team is going to trade for a guy that can’t shoot, isn’t a team player, and won’t play. Screw him.
I dunno. You ever lived in Philly and then got to leave?
You sound like you have a lot of irrational anger towards Ben Simmons, lol.
Have you ever been depressed while feeling stuck in a crappy situation?? And then once you were removed from said situation, almost instantaneously felt better?? Yeah, Bens human too, and its not hard to imagine thats what hes going through. Just because these athletes make millions of dollars and are famous, doesnt mean they arent people just like you and me at the end of the day. Try not to be blinded by hatred/jealousy for another person’s success. You’ll be better off for it.
Ben can get out of this situation very easily. He can retire and not get paid his money. This is a situation created by his own doing. He manifested this “crappy” situation. He does not get to have both the millions of dollars and get to do it wherever he wants. He didn’t have to sign the contract and he doesn’t have to play basketball in the nba. He can retire and go play overseas and make a very healthy living. He will make more overseas than we will all see in our lifetimes. He doesn’t have to put up with this, he just chooses to. Stop acting like Ben is really a victim here
Yeah, I have had crappy jobs in my life, and I moved on, but found another job 1st and didn’t burn any bridges with the employer I had. I also did my job until I could leave. If he would have come in and played games this year instead of creating a circus and pouting to the media, they could have moved him by the 1st week of the season. Because of his antics, he decreased his value to other teams, but the 76ers dont have to do the same
Well stated. The analogy used makes little sense in any setting other than the world of professional sports, where contracts apparently mean nothing. Yeah, try this act with your employer.
All of this kind of makes you wonder what has gone on behind the scenes. Sheesh
Simmons didn’t have mental health issues until he saw Lane Johnson take a leave with the Eagles.
He saw that and said ,”that’s what I have”…he wanted to stay home til he was dealt,but developed mental health issues once he realized he wasn’t getting all of his pay.
Ben has even said that he doesn’t have mental health issues, and now it’s an ” uncomfortable work situation “, which he should be suspended for lying about mental health issues.
Baby
Rich Paul cleaning up. Ben don’t worry sit out it’s okay.
Rich Paul’s other client Maxey gets to show case his talents to make Rich Paul more money.
Rich Paul previously tried to say Maxey didn’t want to be here either, and would have to be part of any Simmons deal. While Maxey has played to an all star level, he is going to get 3M this year and next, that won’t cover the $33M that Ben. Stands to lose this year.
I’m saying rich Paul is looking out for rich Paul Simmons got paid he’s set. He’s going to be somewhere else playing next year. Paul is seeing dollar signs with Maxey as Simmons sits. If Simmons don’t wasn’t sitting Maxey wouldn’t be playing as much and having this much responsibility. Win win for Paul
In order to get your absences excused, you need to submit a doctor’s note.
Who ever is advising him will care when the money runs out.
Dude upgrade his home over 3x his other one, losing 19m in salary, I believe he also lost millions from endorsement deals from Nike and Vitamin Water.
All you do is play basketball man. You can suck and still get paid, all you have to actually do is show up. Look at Haslem dude is out there with an oxygen mask and a rebel scooter. Getting paid tho. Getting paid.
grand gesture of good faith, we all saw your gesture of good faith when you showed up in sweats with your cellphone. You ain’t fooling nobody. Trying to turn the negative light around him but his reputation is already ruined. Good luck trying to get outside sponsorship money. Everybody gets booed but they still come back. Look at Korkmaz he was a horrible player when he first came over, requested a trade, granted he still sucks but at least he got to be somewhat serviceable and stayed with it and worked on his game. Humble yourself Ben.
Simmons using mental health is a joke and travesty for those who do have mental health issues… everyone knows he’s full of horse bleep
Level 1 thinker ^
I think “Theone23” is getting paid by Ben’s camp for all the spin he’s writing on here.
1st he tried to delay things through not being vaccinated, etc. Then it was a back injury, then when doctors could prove all That, he went with mental illness(which I believe his sister has! Which is a disgrace). As a 76ers fan, I don’t care if he sits for 4 years!
Honestly as I’ve said before I think Ben is overrated and I’m not really a fan of the guy. He’s arrogant, pompous and stubborn. That being said the comments on this thread are very similar the type of reception he would get if he stepped on the court in Philly. That combined with his performance the last game he did play and what’s been said by himself, teammates and coach. I can see how that would cause reluctance and anxiety. Last I checked anxiety is a mental illness. If he were traded he’d still get a bad initial reception but in the long run a fresh start would be a huge weight off his shoulders while getting Embiid and the 6ers some immediate help.
I think Ben is a GREAT player, who was cast in the wrong position by Brett Brown, who declared he would be the team’s PG,before Ben ever played PG at any level. Once he was annointed PG, Brett should have forced him to shoot jumpers/3 pointers in games, whether they fell or not. In reality, he should have been a wing or a 4, but either he wanted to be a PG, or Brett thought he could reinvent the wheel. However, if he is playing on a team where he’s not the PG, he will be a top 15/20 player in the league.
The 76ers could probably make a deal for Siakam & a 1st???, J.Collins. Huerter & 1st, or get Sabonis and LeVert from IND for Ben & D.Green, but I think Morey has dug his feet in waiting for Harden or Lillard
The only loser in this is Simmons. He is losing money, losing a year of his prime and all because he was hurt for being called out. Btw the sixers are playing well without him
Lose-lose situation
Simmons is overpaid by a lot but has big positive trade value
76ers can trade him to improve playoffs
Agreed, textbook lose-lose situation.
The 76ers dont need help right away. They are a half game out of 1sr, and can afford ro wait for the right deal
Be a man Simmons
“Grand gesture of good faith,” my lily-white ass.
If Simmons wanted to prove himself as a head-case, he did so masterfully with a single statement. That’s textbook toxic narcissism, thinking that your mere presence absolves you of being an utter wanker.
Time to suck it up buttercup and get back out there and if you can’t then it needs to be taken away like it has been. There are rules and expectations for all of us at our jobs. If you can’t handle it then sorry . We all don’t get what we want. Quite frankly I think enough people are tired of the temper tantrums. Now before people say I don’t believe in mental health issues I do but I also believe in what my grandma use to tell me you can pray to God to make your dreams come true but you gotta meet him half way to show him you want it and deserve it at all times. Mr Simmons isn’t doing his part anymore so I don’t feel bad for him
An actor and an ex Miss America both committed suicide this last week. Both were and had been successful in their careers.
So, yeah, not sure how to know if someone actually has a mental health issue or is just using it as an excuse.
But, it’s obvious that money doesn’t cure mental health problems.
We should take him at his word.
Simmons admitted that he doesn’t have mental health illness. He said Philly is An uncomfortable workplace
Being an insufferable, entitled punk is not listed in the DSM as a mental illness.
Who knows….maybe all this time he is taking off…he’s investing in his future…by learning how to shoot….
Next season he’ll be shooting better than Curry!!! Lot’s of practice he’s getting in at the gym….
I hope to watch the story really soon in Netflix. Maybe Daniel Radcliffe as Ben, Foresto Whitaker as Doc and Mel Gibson as Ben’s father
Hot take: Ben never touches an NBA floor again. If the mental health thing is true I can’t imagine being shipped to a place where you know nobody and are expected to preform at a level higher than you did previously can be too great for mental health problems already stemming from expectations. He’s had a year to work on his shot. If they don’t fall, he will.
#FreeBenSimmons
#GetNewMaterial