Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka bravely withdrew from the French Open due to mental health issues. The issue became headline-grabbing news and fans, as well as fellow athletes, came out in support of the Japanese star. Naomi is currently on a break from tennis after her US Open exit due to mental health concerns.
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NBA star Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers is currently involved in a somewhat similar situation to Osaka.
NBA star decided to skip a match due to mental health problems
Recently, NBA star and Australian player, Ben Simmons, did not feature in the first match of the new season. He claimed that he was not ‘mentally’ ready to play the opening fixture for the Philadelphia 76ers.
USA Today via Reuters
May 31, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) reacts after the basket during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards during game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Surprisingly, he hasn’t received a kind response from most of the fans. While some bashed him for missing the opening match, stating that he is afraid, others are making fun of him and calling him a coward on social media.
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Fans on Twitter call out double-standards in treatment; compare situation to Naomi Osaka
Unlike the situation with Naomi, most fans have been hostile towards Simmons because he decided to skip the match due to his mental health. However, there are others who believe that he should be given the same respect as Naomi received. As a result, renowned rapper Freddie Gibbs and many others came out in support of Simmons.
All this Ben Simmons stuff just be jokes to me I don’t mean no harm. Fam might be really going through some shit for real. Gotta show fam the same love y’all showed Naomi Osaka.
“All this Ben Simmons stuff just be jokes to me I don’t mean no harm. Fam might be really going through some shit for real. Gotta show fam the same love y’all showed Naomi Osaka,” tweeted Gibbs.
Just like Gibbs, many others also extended their support to the 25-year-old Australian.
I just realized that Ben Simmons basically said I’m having a mental breakdown and I need time.. Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka went through the same thing and the world backed them and preached about Athletes and mental health. Double standard?
Excellent point, Joe. The same way we all called for people to give Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka their space over the summer, Ben Simmons is entitled to that same privilege.
Unpopular opinion: Lay off Ben Simmons. Sure, he brought on some of this with his play and remarks, but we far too often as a society expect so much out of athletes/celebrities that we forget they're human. If he needs a mental break, good for him. Sports isn't everything.
Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles: takes time off for mental health break. Everyone defends them Ben Simmons: takes time off for a mental health break now. Everyone on his ASS
So Ben Simmons is “faking”but Naomi Osaka is a hero. Got it
According to Sources, belief by #Sixers Ben Simmons is faking injury and mental illness. He came in 2day and said he had back stiffness and mentally not ready to play. Mental illness is serious issue and team is livid Simmons went down that road. Team plans to fine him every game
Thus, several fans feel that instead of criticizing Simmons, it is important that they show their love to him. They also hope that he recovers soon and makes a comeback quickly.
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