NBA star Ben Simmons shakes off Crown furore to kick on

NBA star and Aussie expat Ben Simmons made the day of a sick student by visiting Melbourne’s Carey Baptist Grammar School on Tuesday for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In the shadow of the MCG, superstar basketballer Ben Simmons declared on Tuesday afternoon that he was “kicking goals”.

It’s in stark contrast to the Philadelphia basketballer’s previous 24 hours, embroiled in a public spat with Crown casino, claiming he was ­racially discriminated against and denied entry to the ­gaming floor.

Ben Simmons at the MCG. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

While the incident made headlines around the world, the NBA star was in good spirits as he walked through the grounds of the ’G, flanked by two friends with footballs.

The 76ers player spent part of the afternoon with the Richmond Football Club women’s team, the club posting to Instagram a video of Simmons and Tiger Sabrina Frederick kicking for goal at Punt Road Oval.

Ben Simmons, 12, surprised Charlie Sweet in his classroom for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Picture: Alex Coppel

Leaving the Tigers’ home ground, Simmons, who had been spotted kicking the football with friends, declined to comment but said: “You just missed me, I was kicking goals down here.”

He was later whisked away in a waiting car.

Earlier, Simmons visited Melbourne’s Carey Baptist Grammar school, making the day of a sick student.

The Aussie expat last week attended the launch of the Adam Goodes documentary, The Australian Dream.

On Monday night, Simmons told his 4.5 million ­Instagram followers he had been stopped and asked for ID, then denied entry at the Melbourne casino — suggesting the move was racially ­targeted.

Ben Simmons with Charlie Sweet, 12, at Carey Baptist Grammar School in Kew. Picture: Alex Coppel

Ben Simmons with Carey Baptist Grammar School students in Kew. Picture: Alex Coppel

Carey Baptist Grammar School students mark the arrival of Ben Simmons. Picture: Alex Coppel

In the now deleted post, Simmons said: “I find it so crazy that the only guy who doesn’t get checked to go into the casino is this guy,” shifting the camera to a caucasian man.

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