Doc Rivers comments on Ben Simmons suspension

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers doesn’t seem too worried about kicking Ben Simmons out of practice. 

What in the heck is going to end up happening with Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers? Right now, no one knows. What we do know, though, is that veteran head coach Doc Rivers isn’t going to put up with any nonsense from the point guard.

On Tuesday, Rivers kicked Simmons out of practice for refusing to take part in a defensive drill. Rivers asked Simmons twice, and both times he said no. When speaking to reporters, Rivers said he indeed told Simmons to leave and that it wasn’t a big deal. Philadelphia has also suspended Simmons for his actions.

Doc Rivers had no issues sending Ben Simmons home on Tuesday

As you can see from the video above, Rivers, as you’d expect, was quite calm and collected when talking about this most-recent incident with Simmons. Rivers said it was early on in the session and that as soon as Simmons left practice, the team moved forward with things.

Rivers also went on to say that he’s going to give Simmons every opportunity to buy into things and give a full effort at practice with the rest of the players. With that said, Simmons simply can’t refuse to take part in drills like this. Rivers might have a little patience, but he’s not going to let someone disrespect him like this. He’s the head coach after all.

“At the end of the day as the coach I have to protect the team,” Rivers said. “It’s team first and then we get to the other part. Today I just thought it was more important to focus on the team.”

Simmons remains under contract with Philadelphia and he’ll be expected to report to practice. However, we already know he’s been suspended for Wednesday’s season-opener against the Pelicans.