via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 28: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets looks out during game against the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on February 28, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 28: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets looks out during game against the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on February 28, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)
Those who thought that Ben Simmons was done with the Philadelphia 76ers, are already proven wrong a few weeks after the trade. Simmons refused to practice or play with the 76ers, eventually resulting in a trade for James Harden. Now, as the playoffs approach, Simmons has filed a grievance with the team.
According to reports, Simmons is looking to reclaim the salary, around $20 million that the team has withheld.
The grievance – which will now go to an arbitration process – was shared with the team, NBA and National Basketball Players Association late this week, sources tell ESPN. The NBPA is supporting Simmons in the attempt to reclaim his salary.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 2, 2022
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While there are larger implications for the entire process, fans seemed extremely unhappy with Simmons‘ decision. The team, Simmons, and his fans have been at odds right from the beginning, resulting in countless debates online.
Fans call out Ben Simmons for recent action against the Philadelphia 76ers
Most fans seemed to share one perspective: why is Simmons asking for money when he did not work?
https://twitter.com/IsoEmbiid/status/1510245373310377993?s=20&t=cFu5MGzV98rXd6aQ__Uu9A
🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
That’s not how I remember it going down. Wasn’t he out due to medical reasons. In the real world, if you’re sick you don’t go to work. If you have sick time you get paid. If you don’t; it’s called FMLA (family medical leave)
— Stacey M (@BklynNetBlock) April 2, 2022
Injury had nothing to do with it. he blatantly refused to show up for training camp… and when he did, he was disruptive and refused to listen to his coaches. It wasn't until weeks after the @sixers started fining him for every missed practice…
— VishamTokala6 (@vishamtokala6) April 2, 2022
Kyrie got paid.
— SHO NO 1 (@Davey_Daverson) April 2, 2022
He didn’t use an injury as a reason not to play for Sixers. He passed a physical before completing trade to nets.
— IanD (@iandalinka) April 2, 2022
He violated the CBA when he refused to have his Dr consult with team Dr around his mental health issues. If he tries to trot out, "my back hurt" then all one has to do is consult the medicals from the treatment in Philadelphia (Oct 2021) and the physical he passed in Brooklyn.
— Larry K (@GrnMtnSixer) April 2, 2022
i would like to file a grievance on ben simmons for passing up a wide open dunk please give me 20 million dollars https://t.co/Z1ytxCyMsb
— elkton john (@dela__where) April 2, 2022
All he had to do was play and get paid. That was too much for him. https://t.co/2jEW1j7Alq
— Derrick Taylor (@derricktaylor23) April 2, 2022
Though some portion of fans did side with Simmons, most users online were unhappy. Many asked why Simmons could not just play, which would have caused no issues like this later on.
Some even wondered about Simmons’ injury, which could have prevented him from playing.
That being said, fans did not fail to mention Simmons’ failed play from the last NBA playoffs. They wondered if they can file a grievance against Simmons for not playing well, visibly confused and irritated at his decision against the 76ers.
More about Simmons’ decision
As per reports, the grievance was filed this week with the team, as well as the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The Sixers have mentioned that Simmons has breached his contract under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and NBPA.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) and forward Kevin Durant (7) watch from the bench during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
This breach was because of the 25-year-old not showing up at the training camp. Later, this extended to him not playing the preseason and regular-season games. However, Simmons has stated that this was because of his mental health, which ultimately reduced his participation.
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The NBPA, on their end, is in favor of Simmons receiving his money.
Unfortunately, no one, including Simmons or the 76ers has commented or released an official statement. Many aspects will have to be considered, following which a final verdict will be pronounced.
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That being said, Simmons is yet to make his debut with the Nets as well.
Do you agree with the fans about Simmons’ situation? Let us know in the comments below.
