Ben Simmons is setting up his long-awaited legal battle with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Simmons has filed a grievance in a bid to recoup the nearly $20 million in salary the 76ers withheld this season, according to Adrian Wojnarowski, Ramona Shelburne, and Bobby Marks of ESPN. Simmons had attempted to negotiate a settlement after the 76ers traded him, but to no avail.
The 76ers maintain that Simmons was in breach of his contract by not arriving on time for training camp and refusing to play in games. Simmons cited mental health as the reason for his non-participation, while the Sixers have argued that they were not given the proper chance to assess Simmons’ mental health.
The significance of the case could go well beyond Simmons’ finances, as the outcome could set a new precedent for how mental health matters and related contractual issues will be handled in the NBA going forward.
Simmons’ grievance has been in the works for a while, even dating back to his appearance in Philadelphia after he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. The case will now head to arbitration.
Photo: Jan 30, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) talks to fans before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
