The situation between the Philadelphia 76ers and point guard Ben Simmons continues to worsen. The Athletic’s Shams Charania is reporting that Simmons believes the Philadelphia 76ers’ recent actions are exacerbating his mental health issues and that the team wants to deem him fit to force him to play.

The Sixers responded to Simmons’ claim and said it’s not true. Unless there is information from the team’s mental health professional or Simmons that would preclude him from playing, they want him to take part in all team activities and ramp up so that he can be ready to play.

Sports agent Rich Paul calls out Sixers in battle to get Ben Simmons back on the court (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Simmons’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, sees things a bit differently.

“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?

No matter what the Sixers say, the mental health professionals and doctors they provide to the players work for the organization. So whose interests do they prioritize? The patient or their employer?

If you believe we live in a good and just society and most people more or less do the right thing, this shouldn’t be a problem. But do we live in a good and just society? Do we trust the Sixers to do what’s right by Simmons?

“HE’S NOT THERE YET. HOW CAN A DOCTOR, WHO HAS ONLY MET WITH BEN ONCE, SAY, ‘BEN IS MENTALLY READY TO PLAY?’ SO DO WE KEEP DIGGING ON HIM, OR HELP HIM?” PAUL SAID. “NOW THAT WE UNDERSTAND THAT RELUCTANCE FROM BEN, IT ALL MAKES SENSE. THERE WAS A SHYING AWAY FROM IT. IF BEN HAS REPEATEDLY SHOWED BEHAVIOR THAT ENTAILS HE ISN’T MENTALLY READY TO PLAY, EMBRACE HIM. SUPPORT HIM. WE HAVE TO REMOVE OUR EGO FROM IT. WE ALL HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.”

Rich Paul had much more to say about the Sixers, read full article on The Shadow League.