PHILADELPHIA -- On Tuesday afternoon, the 76ers announced that Ben Simmons was suspended for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. He will miss the season-opening match against the Pelicans in New Orleans.
The statement was made late Tuesday night during practice. Sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, that Simmons had been kicked out of practice by Doc Rivers. Wojnarowski was told by sources that Simmons was dismissed for refusing to take part in the next stage.
Wojnarowski has heard consistent reports that Simmons' refusal to engage physically and mentally with the Sixers after his return has been a constant theme.
After clearing Friday's safety and re-entry protocols, Simmons practiced Tuesday for the third consecutive day. After missing the previous two weeks of practice, Simmons returned to the team on Monday. He was determined to fulfill his offseason trade request.
He practiced with the second team on Sunday and Monday and left the court as soon as both practices were over.
Rivers previously declined to comment on when Simmons would be back on the court with the team to play a game.
