Ben Simmons suspended for conduct detrimental to the team
Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons was thrown out of practice by head coach Doc Rivers on Tuesday.
Things just keep getting worse and worse for the Philadelphia 76ers when it comes to their relationship with Ben Simmons. On Tuesday, things reached a new low with Doc Rivers throwing the former No. 1 overall pick out of practice.
That’s not it, though, as the 76ers have also announced that Simmons has been suspended for one game due to ‘conduct detrimental to the team. Yup, that means Simmons won’t be in action for the season-opener going up against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
What does conduct detrimental to the team mean?
Throughout the summer, Simmons trade rumors were flying all over the place. The point guard didn’t end up being sent to a new team, but to say he hasn’t been engaged with his teammates since returning to practice would be an understatement.
On Monday, Simmons made countless headlines following a team session. Simmons couldn’t have looked more unhappy to be at the 76ers facility. On top of that, a video went viral of the entire team joining together for a post-practice huddle, but Simmons was away from everyone dribbling a ball instead. Seriously?
Rivers clearly has grown incredibly frustrated with how Simmons is behaving. Things reached a boiling point for him on Tuesday, with the veteran head coach deciding to tell Simmons to go take an early shower. The suspension is sending a major statement as well.
Conduct detrimental to the team in the case of Simmons means he was being a distraction, a nuisance and being a detriment to the team’s success through his behavior.
Clearly, Simmons doesn’t want to suit up for Philadelphia and all this drama is having a negative impact on the team. Who knows how much longer Simmons will be with the organization. At this point, the two sides parting ways feels like it’s something that just needs to get done already.