By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently leading the Eastern Conference standings after beating the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, yet Ben Simmons has yet to appear in a game.
Per reports by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Sixers have fined the All-Star guard his $360.00 game salary for missing the contest against the Pacers and “plan to continue fining him until he cooperates with team physicians on his mental health issues and fulfills other basketball-related obligations”, according to the report.
Simmons met with Sixers coach Doc Rivers and the medical staff in late October when he stated that he was not mentally ready to return to action. Per Wojnarowski, Sixers officials have been supportive of Simmons’ need for mental health assistance, though the player has yet to provide details of his mental health meetings and treatment process to the organization.
The Australian international has appeared in the Sixers’ facilities frequently since said meeting with Rivers and the medical staff, though the team will continue fining him if he fails to participate in other team activities such as strength training and game-day shootarounds.