Philadelphia 76ers reportedly resume fining Ben Simmons amid mental health concerns

The Ben Simmons saga has reached boiling point, with the Philadelphia 76ers reportedly fining the Australian star $487,000 on Friday.

The Ben Simmons saga has reached boiling point, with reports claiming the Philadelphia 76ers have resorted to fining the Australian basketballer as he deals with mental health issues.

Simmons, who was unable to secure his desired trade away from the 76ers, is yet to suit up for the NBA franchise in its 2021/22 campaign after a dramatic off-season that saw the relationship between player and team deteriorate beyond breaking point.

After copping more than AU$2 million in fines for skipping pre-season games and training sessions, the 25-year-old told his teammates he was not “prepared mentally” to play when the season got underway last month.

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Earlier this week, Simmons reportedly told Philadelphia he was still not ready to return to the floor as he continues to deal with mental health issues.

But the 76ers have reportedly had enough.

According to ESPN, Philadelphia has fined Simmons his $487,000 game salary for missing Thursday’s game against the Detroit Pistons.

The report claims that the he 76ers will continue fining the three-time NBA All-Star until he cooperates with team physicians on his mental health and fulfils other basketball-related obligations.

Ben Simmons has not represented the Philadelphia 76ers since last season’s Playoffs. Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Simmons reportedly knocked back several offers from the team to provide him with mental health resources as he spent time off the court.

“There is frustration mounting according to people close to the situation that Ben has not been accepting any other help the team has offered him in terms of helping him with his mental readiness,” ESPN reporter Ramona Shelburne told NBA Today on Wednesday morning (AEDT).

“He has been working with mental health professionals through the Players’ Association. But thus far, he hasn’t really kept the team in the loop on that. There is frustration mounting there.

“He’s not providing the team with any updates as far as what he’s doing to get back and get himself mentally ready to rejoin the team.”

either Ben Simmons is faking a mental health crisis, which is gross as hell

OR

the Sixers are forcing someone going through a mental health crisis to undergo treatment he’s uncomfortable with, which will exacerbate the crisis

one of the grossest situations in NBA history

— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) November 5, 2021

People will say I’m team Ben, or whatever. But Ben Simmons rightfully does not believe that franchise has his best interests at heart. So why would he go confide in his personal mental struggles to them, when it’s clear both sides are angling for separation?

— Josh Eberley🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) November 5, 2021

The situation deteriorated further this week when Philadelphia fans turned on Simmons, the home crowd chanting for their team to recruit six-time All Star Damian Lillard — the star widely reported to be Philadelphia’s dream replacement for Simmons.

Ever since last season’s Playoffs elimination, trade destination rumours about Simmons have swirled with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, Portland Trailblazers and Golden State all reported to have some interest in exploring a trade deal.

According to reports, none of the informal negotiations have got anywhere near the high asking price Morey has put on Simmons, with the Sixers only willing to part with the 25-year-old if they can receive a genuine star in return.

Simmons still has four years remaining in his $US168 million ($A225 million) contract.

– with James Matthey & Tyson Otto

Originally published as Philadelphia 76ers reportedly resume fining Ben Simmons amid mental health concerns