$6 million Ben Simmons addresses betrayal from his people, mental health, and making Nets debut
Ben Simmons sheds light on being in a dark place mentally, not getting the support he expected from people and how he looks forward to his Nets debut.
Ben Simmons’ recent appearance on former teammate JJ Redick’s The Old Man & The Three podcast has finally brought his perspective on a controversy-filled year to light. It all started with the former Sixers shooting guard’s lackluster performance in the 2021 playoffs, followed by an ugly exit from Philadelphia.
Currently with the Brooklyn Nets, Simmons’ recent interaction on JJ’s podcast put to rest many of the unanswered questions. The 6-foot-11 point guard was as candid as ever, addressing his relationship with the city of Philadelphia in his conversation with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.
Simmons, who didn’t play a single game in the 2021-22 season, citing his mental health, spoke more candidly about it, revealing how he didn’t get the support he expected from people and agreeing to receive the statement from JJ’s former coach. Doc Rivers and his teammate Joel Embiid throwing him under the bus.
Also read: “Ben Simmons shouldn’t load his head with garbage”: when Doc Rivers said he didn’t care about the ex-Sixer’s shooting
It’s been a rocky road for Simmons, who spoke of being in a dark place, especially after the series against the Hawks, adding that he’s not worried about being fined and losing money.
Simmons, who has an estimated net worth of $6 million, was fined close to $20 million by the Sixers for missing games during the 2021-22 season. However, the parties would amicably settle the dispute later.
“It’s not about the money for me now, I want peace and happiness”: Ben Simmons on tickets issued and not receiving support from his people.
Preparing for his Nets debut next season, Simmons looks to put the Sixers saga behind him, putting to rest all unanswered questions, theories and reports in the media. The 26-year-old spoke about the dark phase of him, with his former Sixers teammates not rooting for him.
When asked if the series against the Hawks set off a deeper spiral, Simmons had this to say.
“I think it was like, you know, I’m already dealing with a lot of things mentally, just in life like a lot of people, but it got to a point where after that series, it’s people’s lives than you. I’m supposed to have the support of or that, you know, that consolation of, and I wasn’t getting that either. So it was a lot, it was a toll on me, and then mentally, it just killed me.”
“Mentally, it killed me. She was in a dark place… Now it’s not about money for me. Like, I want peace and happiness. I want to be in a good place.”
Ben Simmons on dealing with his mental health in recent years 🙏
(via @OldManAndThree)pic.twitter.com/4RpCIW3kvD
— Clutch Points (@ClutchPointsApp) September 22, 2022
Fortunately for Simmons and his supporters, the three-time All-Star is in a great spot today and can’t wait to start training camp with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn. The Australian native is confident of a championship if all goes well.
Ben Simmons in his first game as Net:
“He’s going to be sick, I can’t wait. I am very excited. I have a new number, a new shirt. I am looking forward to it. I think we have a special team and if we put it all together we will be champions. That is the ultimate goal.”
— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) September 22, 2022
Well, hopefully, Simmons’ dark days are behind him as he returns.
Also read: After mocking Ben Simmons’ $300K Gucci outfit, Shaquille O’Neal is called out for the wheeziest possible reason
