Australian NBA star Ben Simmons won’t stop calling out racism after Crown Casino incident in Melbourne
Ben Simmons has doubled down on his claims of racism during his return to Australia in an interview on the eve of his NBA season opener for Philadelphia.
The All-Star caused a stir in August when he accused Melbourne Crown Casino security of racial profiling by asking for ID based on skin colour - allegations the casino has denied.
“I find it so crazy that the only guy who doesn’t get checked to go into the casino is this (white) guy. They didn’t let me in, or him, or him, or this guy. Wow, we’ve got a long way to go,” Simmons said at the time.
Speaking to American website The Undefeated, Simmons said childhood lessons from his father meant he would always speak up on the issue, but that he still intends to suit up for the Boomers at next year’s Olympics.
“I’ve had certain situations where I’ve been called the N-word from other kids at a young age,” Simmons said.
“And the one thing my dad (American-born NBL star Dave) told me was, ’Never take that from anybody. Never let anybody be racist towards you or make you feel a certain way, because it’s not right.’
“That’s the one thing that’s sort of stuck with me.”
Simmons says he’s encountered similar racism while living in the United States and that the experience hasn’t influenced his intention to represent the Boomers at next year’s Olympics.
“If everything goes smoothly and correctly, that’s where I want to be,” he said.
“I definitely want to represent Australia in the Olympics. It’s a dream. And if I’m able to bring a medal and help this team and do something right for the country and bring a positive light to it, I would love to do that.
“(Australia means) everything ... I think people get a little twisted and confused because my accent isn’t as strong as some words I say that sound Australian.
“I live in America. I wear diamond chains. I don’t look like a typical Australian person and I think that’s what really irks and annoys people back home. But at the same time, I’m not scared to be who I am.”
In the meantime he says he’ll continue to work on his jump shot, acknowledging it as a weakness he intends to address as the 76ers vie for a title.
AAP
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