Ben SimmonsPG | Nets

Ben Simmons talks about conflict with Doc RiversSeptember 25, 2022 | 08:05 AM

Ben Simmons recently told his side of the story from when Doc Rivers kicked him out of practice back on Oct. 19, 2021. Analysis: "I was trying to do the right thing and I was just not in that place to play," Simmons said on The Old Man and the Three podcast. "I just couldn't do it. I actually spoke to Doc before practice. I was like, 'Doc, I'm not ready mentally. I'm not ready. Please just understand that.' And he's like, 'Well, I'm gonna put you in anyway.'" SImmons said that Rivers ordered him into practice after just one minute, resulting in the suspension when Simmons refused to enter. Austin Rivers, Doc's son and Timberwolves guard, chimed in on the comments under the podcast in regards to someone sticking up for Simmons. "Bro you actually believe this dude?" he replied. "If y'all only knew..." Simmons also took fellow LSU alum Shaquille O'Neal to task on the podcast in response to O'Neal's criticism over the last couple of years. "He always wants to say we're LSU brothers, this and that. If you're my LSU brother you would have reached out by now." Media day is coming soon and we should hear plenty from Simmons as he prepares to finally make his debut for the Nets, having last played (for the Sixers) on June 20, 2021.