Not everybody is taking sides against Ben Simmons these days.
Ex-Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington responded on Instagram this week to a video of the harsh treatment that Simmons got during his return to Philly on Thursday.
“Philly at its finest,” wrote Covington in a comment. “Now you see why he wanted out.”
Former Sixer Robert Covington (IG user atf_33) chimes in on Ben Simmons' reception last night: pic.twitter.com/HXqu4kReiE
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) March 12, 2022
Covington, now with the LA Clippers, was one of the original members of the Sixers’ “Process” era, playing for them from 2014 to 2018. He was also teammates there with Simmons, who was drafted in 2016. While Covington developed into one of the better defenders in the league while in Philly, he was up-and-down as a scorer, leading to him sometimes getting booed.
For what it’s worth, Covington then tried to backtrack on Twitter, saying that he never said anything bad about Philly and that he loves the city.
Y’all kill me I never said anything bad about Philly lol. Stop blowing what I said out of proportion. Smh that’s the problem with social media trying to find something out of nothing. That’s Philly fans all day. Didn’t I resign there lol? So of course I loved the city. Boos n all
— Robert Covington (@Holla_At_Rob33) March 12, 2022
When it comes to Simmons though, even if Philly fans are notoriously tough, it is safe to say that he deserved every single boo that he got. Simmons did some extremely petty things during his lengthy holdout from the 76ers, so he would probably be booed by every other fanbase in the league as well if he did their team like that.
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
