Sixers Resume Fines On Ben Simmons: Reports

PHILADLEPHIA, PA — Whatever goodwill the Sixers and Ben Simmons appeared to have established in recent weeks has disintegrated, as the team has resumed fining their three-time All Star.

Simmons was fined $360,000 for missing the team's recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers, and for refusing to cooperate with the team on his mental health care, ESPN first reported.

Meanwhile, the rest of Simmons' contract — a $147 million balance due over the next four years— has been placed in escrow as his future with Philadelphia remains as murky as ever.

Simmons told the Sixers weeks ago that he is not mentally ready to return to the court, which the Sixers said they respected. However, the latest reports indicate he is not cooperating with the team's physicians. He is attending practices and some workouts, but skipping others, ESPN says, including skipping strength training and film study.

Despite the off-court distraction and the on-court absence, the Sixers have thrived to start the year, getting out to an NBA-best 7-2 record.