Doc Rivers Explains Why He Suspended Ben Simmons

The Ben Simmons and Philadelphia 76ers drama continue to unfold as the Australian player makes his way back to practice before the season begins.

According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, head coach Doc Rivers had thrown Ben Simmons out of practice due to the player being reluctant “to physically and mentally engage with the Sixers since his return has been a consistent theme.” Shortly after the events of the practice, Rivers suspended Simmons for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. This means that Simmons will be missing the Sixers’ season opener on October 20.

In a press conference, Doc Rivers commented on the situation stating the reason why he suspended the player, “He was a distraction today, I didn’t think he wanted to do what everybody else was doing. It was early, it wasn’t a big deal. I just told him, he should leave then, and we went on with practice.”

Joel Embiid was asked what he thought of the incident and addressed the media sharing, “At this point, I don’t care about that man, honestly. He does whatever he wants. That’s not my job. I’m only focused on trying to make the team better, win some games, try to lead the other guys that we have here. The chemistry has been excellent despite everything that’s been happening the last few months. So yeah, like I said, I don’t really care.” Embiid also alluded to not wanting to be someone’s “babysitter,” especially to someone who will not listen.

Take a look above at what Doc had to say about Simmons’ suspension above.

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

“At this point I don’t care about that man, honestly. He does whatever he wants.”

–Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/XELROkUphX

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 19, 2021

In other sports news, Seattle Seahawks are reportedly interested in Cam Newton.