Simmons: 'Disrespectful' to say I've stolen money from Nets

Ben Simmons isn't happy with some of the criticism that has been directed toward him on social media.

In an interview with Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Simmons took issue with those who've accused him of stealing money from the Brooklyn Nets because of the number of games he's missed due to various ailments since arriving via trade from the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2022.

"People make comments saying I'm robbing. No. When I got that contract, I was playing at a super high level. Unfortunately, I had injuries," the three-time NBA All-Star explained. "But for somebody to say that, it's disrespectful. (But) people can say what they want to say. They've got to live with it. At the end of the day it all catches up with you."

Simmons has played in just 57 games with the Nets, averaging 6.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest.

The 28-year-old has one year remaining on the five-year, $177-million max contract he signed with the 76ers ahead of the 2020 season.