Michele Roberts calls out Daryl Morey comments and who speculates on Ben Simmons’ mental health

In a statement to Yahoo Sports, NBPA head Michele Roberts took issue with some saying Ben Simmons is using mental health as an excuse for not being ready to play. Roberts also called out Sixers President Daryl Morey for saying he’s prepared to wait out the four years remaining on Simmons’ contract before he’ll trade him for a less than desired package.

“Really? Is it so hard to believe that Ben’s not mentally at a place to compete? Professional athletes — like the rest of us — have difficult periods in our lives that require time and energy to heal”, Roberts said. “We have and will continue to provide Ben with the support and resources he needs to work through this. Threatening the prospect of ‘another four years’ serves no one’s interests. Like Tobias (Harris), I say let’s respect Ben’s space and embrace him while allowing him the time to move forward. So, take a breath and count to 10: We are all too good to continue to play this perpetual game of chicken.”