Joel Embiid Defends Ben Simmons As Crowd Boos: "He's Still Our Brother"

BY Erika Marie 2.8K Views
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Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons
A Friday night's game, the crowd booed when Simmons appeared in a pregame video. Embiid made sure to address fans.

The Philadelphia Sixers are standing in solidarity with Ben Simmons and they are hoping that their fans will, as well. The ongoing saga involving Simmons took a turn after he reportedly revealed to his team that he is not mentally prepared to play. Throughout the season, Simmons has been hit with upwards of $2 million in fines from his team for missing out on practices, games, and team meetings.

As Simmons reportedly seeks professional help for whatever it is that ails him, his supporters, including the Sixers, have rallied around him. However, when the team took to the court on Friday (October 22), fans in the stands booed Simmons, prompting a speech from his teammate.

Christian Petersen / Staff / Getty Images

A pregame video was played for fans and when Simmons took to the screen, a roaring "boo" can be heard. Joel Embiid grabbed the microphone to speak up about the controversy.

“I just want to thank you for your support all these years, and then now,” Embiid said. “A lot has happened the last few months, and I urge you guys to continue to support us and our teammate Ben, cause he’s still our brother.”

It is unclear what Ben Simmons's personal battles may be, but his supporters are wishing him nothing but peace and positivity. Check out the game's moments below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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