LC
Years ago

Ben Simmons benched for 'academic reasons'

Really intriguing situation today with Simmons. He as made to start on the bench, yet once injected did not come off.

His benching was for 'academic reasons' according to LSU.

Simmons has copped it on social media as a result, however I sense that not all is well at LSU, and that coach Jones may have lost his team.

Here is a snapshot:

Simmons benched for academic reasons in LSU's latest loss

For a guy that will be 'one and done', academics are unlikely to be his focus. If you want to penalise him, don't play him.

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I think I got banned
Years ago

Does anyone know what he is actually studying? Also, what are the minimum grade requirements to be able to play?

"Simmons was clearly unhappy with the benching decision, displaying poor body language and lacking effort on the court, especially on the defensive end."

This is pathetic. He should be happy that he even got to play despite struggling academically. If he is not giving it his all just because he got benched, then he should bother playing in the NBA.

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AngusH
Years ago

Only reason Ben Simmons is at LSU is to make the NBA, and while he's doing that he's making both LSU and the NCAA money. He shouldn't be 'happy' to be doing anything, he's the top prospect in the nation.

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I think I got banned
Years ago

It doesn't matter if he is a top prospect or not. He could even be the greatest player in the world. But if he is unable to perform academically, he should be unable to play the games.

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That Guy
Years ago

The moral high ground was compromised when the coach played him the whole game. "I didnt start you - see how in control I am - now go play more minutes than anyone else!"

Way to send a message coach!

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Anonymous
Years ago

Idiot for not embracing the opportunity to study then sulking

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Anonymous
Years ago

Thought there would have to be a few Ben Simmons haters out there!!
Before commenting and making yourself sound stupid, try to get all the facts.
And remember the kid is 19 years old and will end up being the greatest basketballer we have ever had and that won't even be close.
Every single thing he does is scrutinised by the whole country so how about giving the kid a break and supporting him like a loyal australian basketball fan should.

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koberulz
Years ago

Idiot for not embracing the opportunity to study then sulking

The opportunity to study that he's being forced to take?

That's not what opportunity is.

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Anonymous
Years ago

Why should exception be made fir one person, NCAA and universities have rules, and everyone has to abide by them.
If Simmons thinks he should be above them now, God help e rehome if he gets in to NBA his ego will be his undoing.
And frankly he might be one of the best out of australia, but he's got plenty of competition from Americans currently in the college system. Some very good p,ayers in both Duke and Louisville, just to mention two

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Dazz
Years ago

So a college player got benched, and was allegedly upset by this?
Ok...

Reply #579597 | Report this post

spot up
Years ago

The only thing in Ben's mind should really be how this kind of thing damages his preparation for games (mindset, etc), and then in the longer term, any damage to his stocks as a future high draft pick (unlikely but possible).

He went into the college season knowing what's required of him to play for LSU. Why you'd risk anything to the point that it impacts on your game time is a bit beyond me..

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Anonymous
Years ago

Just sit the year as he gains nothing from playing and they don't even a tourney team so nothing gained except risking injury!

I wouldn't even bother with class and just workout...hell even fake a small injury and sit out like Kyrie...to much at steak

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Anonymous
Years ago

Should have played NBL for a season and earned $200K. Shorter season and less BS. Like Brandon Jennings did when he played in Italy for a season instead of college.

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Hendo8888
Years ago

Looks like his coach watched Coach Carter on the weekend.

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R@nD0m
Years ago

Pointless exercise to say the least - Especially given he still play 36 minutes! Look at it from his standpoint... He is a 1 and Done player who WILL be a Top 3 Draft pick - Why not make him do community service or take away his meal card for a pre-determined amount of time, something which would actually affect him and his mindset, rather than a punishment which essentially was a 'OK i've been told to do this but you will still play ALL of your minutes and then some, that way we both look good out of this!'

Reply #579687 | Report this post

Hoops

Ben Simmons benched for 'academic reasons'

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