Ben Simmons was on Duke legend JJ Redick’s “The Old Man and the Three” podcast this week and talked for the first time about what happened between him and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Here’s what he told Redick: “I was trying to do the right thing and I just was not in that place to play. I just couldn’t do it… I actually spoke to [coach] Doc [Rivers] before practice. I was like, ‘Doc, I’m not ready mentally. I’m not ready. Please just understand that.’ And he’s like, ‘Well, I’m gonna put you in any way....I’m getting fined for not lifting weights but physically I’m one of the strongest guys on the team.