Report: Ben Simmons broke protocols in New York, took car back to Philadelphia without telling 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star point guard Ben Simmons reportedly broke COVID-19 protocols for leaving New York City the same night Seth Curry tested positive during last Thursday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.

According to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft did not stick around the team hotel and headed back to Philadelphia.

“There are no restaurants in New York City that are approved [by the NBA], so if a team is staying in New York City they need to stay there,” Goodwill said. “Apparently Ben Simmons said, ‘Nah, I’m out’…I’m headed out, got a driver, went back to Philly. I believe the team found out.”

Simmons has missed the past two games since, appearing on Philadelphia’s injury report as out with “knee stiffness” against the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 9 and then “knee swelling” against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

The NBA fined the 76ers $25,000 for failing to list Simmons on the initial injury report for their matchup against Denver. Philadelphia ended up having nine total players out due to a combination of COVID-19 health and safety protocols and injuries.

The 76ers began the season as the hottest team in the league, compiling a 7-1 record before their current three-game losing streak. Simmons has remained consistent across the board, averaging 13.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game this season.