Klutch Sports CEO, Rich Paul believes that the Sixers are worsening Ben Simmons’ mental health issues by attempting to force him to play despite letting them know that he is not mentally fit to return to the court.
It is reported that Ben Simmons reported to training camp two weeks late and was kicked out of practice for refusal to participate on October 19, 2021.
The Athletic posted an exclusive interview with Rich Paul and in the interview, he called on “sixers to exercise patience and understanding with what Simmons might be going through”.
Here is what Rich Paul said in the exclusive interview:
I truly believe the fines, the targeting, the negative publicity shined on the issue — that’s very unnecessary and has furthered the mental health issues for Ben,” Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said. Either you help Ben, or come out and say he’s lying. Which one is it?
The spokesperson for Sixers has reacted to Rich Paul’s claim that the team is trying to force Ben Simmons to play despite his mental health issues and according to him, it’s never true that they are forcing Ben to return to the court.
Via CBS Sports:
The team’s position is that Simmons should participate in activities such as practices, shootarounds, and video sessions until there is information from the team’s mental health professional or from Simmons that states he is unable to do so.
Simmons met with the 76ers’ mental health specialist on Monday, but the team says it has yet to receive any information from the specialist or from Simmons that would preclude him from playing or practicing.
Paul also said that in the past few months, the focus has shifted from Simmons’ trade request to simply offering support for his mental health.
The Sixers say this isn’t the case and they have been very supportive in trying to get Simmons’ help and have never publicly called him a liar.
This is no longer about a trade. This is about finding a place where we can help Ben get back to his mental strength and get back on the floor. I want him on the floor playing the game that he loves,” Paul told The Athletic. “I want Ben on the floor whether that’s in a 76ers uniform or any other uniform. That’s not up to me, but I want him in a state where he can resume play. We want to cooperate and want to work him back on the floor.
Who do you believe?
Flip the pages for more about if the Sixers really believe Ben Simmons has mental health issues.
