The Sixers host the Brooklyn Nets thursday March 10 at the Wells Fargo Center. Many are excited to see Ben Simmons for the first time all year as he decides to come out of hibernation. Simmons won’t play but will join the team on the bench Thursday, according to ESPN’s Nick Friedell. As expected, the building will be sold out as fans highly anticipate participating in the Boo’s and hate chants the 6-foot-10 point guard will receive.
Now here’s what most people don’t know. According to Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice, a grievance from Ben Simmons and his representation is expected to be filed soon, with the reception he encounters at Thursday’s game serving as a potential piece of their case to recoup money he lost in fines this season. In other words he will be filing a lawsuit in hopes to attain all the money he lost by quitting and refusing to get better, using the fans as an excuse.
Should the Sixers fanbase give Ben Simmons leverage by showing up and jeering him on Thursday?
Simmons being a fraud is nothing new, as just three weeks ago in his Brooklyn Nets interview he stated “It had nothing to do with the fans” — that quote may hurt his case. But what I do know is Philly is going to be ruthless, although Ben spun it to where that’s exactly what he wants. The “F” Ben Simmons chants are going to start before entry into the stadium. Which will probably make him $30 million richer.
Many will respond “who cares” because Ben is an afterthought. But if he’s truly an afterthought why are we paying hundreds of dollars to watch him do nothing? Haven’t we paid enough for that over the past five years?
Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid and Kyrie Irving are Box Office and are definitely a huge reason as to why tickets are being sold so high. But is cursing Ben’s name for two hours worth giving him a check?
If we truly dislike him that stadium would be empty after reports of his representation trying to flip the script and make it about “bullying” as to why he refused to play. Even though Daryl Morey reiterated numerous times ‘they’d rather have Ben play than trade him” it will be the National Media vs. Philadelphia Fans yet again and we all know that never plays in our favor.
So my proposition that will never happen is, EAT YOUR TICKETS. Don’t give this guy the time of day. Why pay him any mind? Doing so will make him $30 million richer. If you don’t believe me check out Barstool Philly’s latest Instagram post. In announcing he will join the Nets on the bench, Ben commented “can’t wait” on the post.
I’m sure he can’t wait! Because in a way, Thursday is his payday. As he sits there and does nothing for the 10th straight month, in the end he got what he wanted. Traded to a great destination and will be compensated for disobeying his contract. Legendary in some eyes.
If you know me, I do my best to attend every Sixers game there is — I’m a die hard fan. But I will die on the hill of not joining the fanbase Thursday night as I’ve spent enough money on this guy. Ashamed to, because Kyrie and KD vs. Joel and James is a show in itself, but the extracurriculars that are going to go down Thursday I simply don’t have time or effort for anymore. If we truly dislike Ben, then empty the stadium. Imagine hundreds of security officers for an empty building. He will feel like a moron.