Ben Simmons: When Two Worlds Become One

Unnecessary Criticism

Usually, I keep my mouth shut. I let the press say what they want and the media publish rumors just to sell more copies. When I was younger, I used to try and shoot down every false accusation about me, but there comes a time when you realize you are less powerful than the magazines and just have to let them say what they want. At the end of the day, your friends and family, those who really matter, will know if it's true or not.

I try to be slow to anger, and timid to speak. But this time, was different. It's one thing for you to try and attack me, but to go after my fiancé? There's no way I was going to let you get away with that. 

I was sitting in the hotel room in Las Vegas. Ben was here for the summer league, and granted we just found out we will be parents, we figured it would be a fun first getaway for the three of us. Plus, I would finally get to see my man play in a Phillies uniform. Las Vegas is always a fun city to visit, and one of my favorites in America, but it puts a damper on the mood when you're banned from alcohol.

It was about 11am. Ben's next game was at 3pm, so I had a few hours before I needed to start getting ready. After my new daily morning routine of checking my pregnancy app to see what was happening with the baby and documenting my symptoms, I turned on the television.

My family is a sports family. My grandfather is really where it all began. His love and passion for football is unmatched, and he is the greatest, most knowledgable owner in the NFL. He passed on this passion to my father, who passed it on to me. From the time I was born, I was listening to football and learning the game and hanging out at my grandfather's house with my dad when Emmitt Smith would come over to hang out and 'talk ball'. Because of my upbringing, when I turn on the TV, it's to ESPN. This morning was no different.

I sat on the couch of my suite, dressed in only a rob with my hair doing it's own thing, eating chocolate covered strawberries (our baby does not care what time of the morning it is) and listening to Jalen Rose and two other tv hosts argue sports. I'd never seen the show before, so I was considerably tuned in.

They discussed many things, from player's contracts, to their predictions for the Super Bowl, to the Patriots, and more. I was scrolling through Twitter when my attention was immediately caught. "Let's talk about Ben Simmons." said one of the hosts. I dropped my phone and reached for the remote, turning the volume up. 

What I hoped would be a confidence builder, professional promoting segment was a far cry from that. Instead of building up the newest NBA player who already had the pressure of an entire organization on his back, they criticized him. His coach had decided it was best to rest him for a few games, because it's the Summer League and if we're being honest, doesn't mean a thing. Why risk a possible injury over a few pointless games? Plus, it gave Ben time to bond with the coaches, and watch the game from a spectator's point of view.

The analysts did not see it how I did, and patronized him for missing games and signing autographs. They compared his absence to the presence of many other star players in the league. I really couldn't believe what I was hearing. Why don't they just mind their own business? Does whether or not my fiancé plays in a game really affect their lives? Absolutely not.

I picked up my phone and found a very cute picture of Ben sitting across the table from me at dinner and smiling away. I put a black and white filter on it and began to type my caption: Some people are so ridiculous. Ben decided to rest for a few pointless summer league games and you are acting like the president missed his inauguration. News flash: summer league doesn't mean anything! How about you find actual content for your show instead of watching my fiancé's every move to see if he does something you don't approve of. Oh and btw, I'm sure the fans who now have his autograph/selfies with him don't care whether or not be played!!!

There, I said it. I knew I was going to get a major backlash, but I didn't care. I don't let anyone go after those I love.