Sixers rookie sensation Ben Simmons has done a lot of things on the court in his first full season of NBA action. Now he is branching to off the court and supporting what is happening in the United States. Simmons wore a “March For Our Lives” t-shirt during warmups and while on the bench in last night’s victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He discussed his decision to wear the shirt to Philly.com’s Keith Pompey:
#Sixers PG @BenSimmons25 on wearing MarchForOurLives shirt during warmups. pic.twitter.com/ZnIOmihLtZ
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) March 25, 2018
“For me, growing up in Australia, I think there was a gun ban way back in the day where they bought back the guns,” Simmons said. “There hasn’t been any major shootings or anything like, no one carries around guns. For me, I think that’s very important. Just where I come from, you want kids to feel safe going to school and the parents.”
For context, Ben Simmons is an Australian native. The country has strict gun control and has not had a mass shooting since 1996.
“But I just don’t believe there’s any need to really have a gun,” Simmons continued. “Maybe hunting, but that’s a different conversation. But it really sticks with me. I don’t really believe anybody should have to worry about somebody coming in and shooting up a place. That’s a scary thought.”
Simmons is not the only NBA player supporting the movement either. Carmelo Anthony helped bus 4,500 kids to the movement. Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union and Chris Paul also helped donate to the cause.
#MarchForOurLives Salute the youth making a REAL impact!! ????
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 24, 2018
#EnoughIsEnough https://t.co/BCSnxiy00W
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) March 24, 2018
Partnering with @MTV @NAACP and my city of Bmore to support #MarchForOurLives.
Sending over 4,500 kids from Baltimore to the March tomorrow… We've all had #ENOUGH! Proud of our youth for standing up gun violence. #STAYME7O pic.twitter.com/aV2VEZWsA9
— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) March 23, 2018
