Ben Simmons is reportedly facing fines from the Philadelphia 76ers again as he refuses to cooperate with team physicians on his mental health, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Simmons, 25, recently stepped away from the team citing mental health reasons after a turbulent off-season that saw him demand a trade away from the Sixers.
While the team was initially supportive of his move, Wojnarowski says the franchise is now placing his $360,000 (USD) per-game salary into an escrow account until he fulfils his contractual obligations.
The report says the Sixers feel they have no choice but to fine the Australian All-Star as he refuses to provide even basic details of his mental health meetings, evaluations or treatments.
Simmons is yet to accept consultations with any specialists arranged by the team.
The big-guard has four years and $147 million remaining on his deal, but he has expressed no desire to re-join the team.
Despite Simmons not playing, the Sixers have a 7-2 record and are atop the NBA’s Eastern Conference standings.
ESPN Sources: The 76ers fined Ben Simmons his $360K game salary for missing Thursday’s game and plan to resume fining him until he cooperates with team physicians on his mental health issues and fulfills other basketball-related obligations. Story: https://t.co/U4RyCJwKp5
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 5, 2021