Ben Simmons Claims 'Injury', Out Indefinitely

Well, we all knew it would come to this: Ben Simmons claiming an 'injury' to keep him from playing. Simmons reported "back tightness" to the Philadelphia 76ers training staff, who briefly treated him and declared him cleared to practice. But Simmons opted not to.

The Sixers' medical staff cleared Simmons to participate in the workout after the back treatment, sources tell ESPN. The Sixers had hoped to see Simmons in the workout today and have him go through shoot-around on Friday morning prior to game vs. Nets. https://t.co/WygyAnShmz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2021

This report by Shams Charania is more to the point.

Sources: 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons is currently not mentally ready to play for the team and was receiving treatment on his back today due to ramp up process. He will miss Friday’s home opener vs. Nets and is not expected to play for an undetermined period of time.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2021

"Not mentally ready to play" is an understatement. "Not expected to play for an undetermined period of time" is an obvious statement.

The Sixers, of course, are not buying this latest tactic for one second.

According to Sources, belief by #Sixers Ben Simmons is faking injury and mental illness. He came in 2day and said he had back stiffness and mentally not ready to play. Mental illness is serious issue and team is livid Simmons went down that road. Team plans to fine him every game
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 21, 2021

Simmons was suspended this week for one game after being tossed out of practice by head coach Doc Rivers for refusing to take part in a drill, and his general distaste for being around his teammates.

Sixers franchise player Joel Embiid had some harsh words for Simmons after that debacle at practice, and it was only a matter of time before the next phase of the All-Star guard's shenanigans came to fruition. Today's claim of "injury" was inevitable.

The latest has Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that Simmons is expected to arrive early for shootaround on Friday "to discuss his playing status" with the front office. But it doesn't appear that there's a scenario in which we'll see Simmons come back to face the wrath of either his teammates, or the Philly fans, anytime soon.